Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Checking ones pockets close to Shabbos: [1] It is a Mitzvah[2] upon every person to check his clothing[3] on Erev Shabbos, in close proximity to the beginning of Shabbos. This is done in order to verify that he is not carrying anything which is forbidden to carry[4] on Shabbos.[5] [This […]

Carrying an object close to the start of Shabbos:[1] The public area is defined as a Reshus Harabim: It is forbidden for one to carry an object in his hand [or pocket[2]] into a public domain which is defined as a Reshus Harabim very close to the start of Shabbos.[3] […]

Reminding ones household that Shabbos is near:[1] Slightly[2] prior to sunset, one is to caution his household that they should light the candles and cease from doing any forbidden work. Likewise, if one’s wife baked Challah [as is required due to the custom] then slightly prior to sunset it is […]

Practical summary of how to prepare the Blech Erev Shabbos: It is forbidden to leave less than half cooked food on an open flame into Shabbos. This law created the use of a Blech. The blech effectively covers the fire and allows one to leave even less than half cooked […]

Doing laundry on Erev Shabbos: The general law:[1] Ezra instituted for laundry to be done on Thursday [or prior[2]] in honor of Shabbos, in order so one have clean white clothing to wear on Shabbos.[3] [This comes to negate doing laundry on Erev Shabbos[4]], as on Erev Shabbos there is […]

Shabbos clothes:[1] Every person is obligated to strive based on his affordability, to have elegant clothing for Shabbos.[2] These clothing are to be designated specifically[3] for Shabbos (and are to be nicer than the clothing he wears during the week).[4] [Hence one is to avoid wearing these clothing at all […]

Cutting ones nails: It is a Mitzvah to cut one’s [hand[1]] nails every Erev Shabbos.[2] [See Q&A] A. Cutting nails during the week, prior to Erev Shabbos?[3] Although it is a Mitzvah top cut the nails on Erev Shabbos as stated above nevertheless if one does not desire to wait […]

Getting a haircut?[1] If one has long hair it is a Mitzvah to cut it [any day prior to Shabbos] in order so one not enter into Shabbos in disgrace. Furthermore, it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to cut the hair specifically on Erev Shabbos and not beforehand.[2] If however […]

Going to Mikveh on Erev Shabbos:[1] It is a great Mitzvah to immerse in a Mikveh on Erev Shabbos[2], and so is the Chabad custom.[3] Immersing before Shabbos draws down the holiness of Shabbos onto one’s soul. [4] Regarding Erev Yom Tov, even one who is not particular to go […]

Bathing on Erev Shabbos:[1] It is a Mitzvah[2] [upon both men and women[3]] to initially bathe one’s entire body[4] in hot water[5] on Erev Shabbos [and Erev Yom Tov[6]] in honor of Shabbos [and Yom Tov]. If one is unable to do so then he is at the very least […]