0. Introduction to Laws of Ohel

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here The following chapter will discuss the laws of setting up dividers and roofing on Shabbos. Roofing is defined as any item which hovers over a surface, such as an umbrella, or a tent, or a table. The problem involved […]

Practical Q&A on Kneading

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Practical Q&A May one make instant foods through mixing water and a powder together, such as instant mashed potatoes/porridge/rice?[1] All instant food powders such as mashed potato mix, and the like, which are only edible when mixed with water […]

3. The definition of an “irregularity”

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 3. The definition of an “irregularity”:[1] The Sages permitted for one to knead a Rabbinical kneading mixture if one uses certain irregularities in the kneading process. One may thus knead all materials into a thin batter, using these irregularities. […]

0. Introduction to the Laws of Kneading

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Introduction: Kneading is one of the Biblically forbidden Shabbos labors. There is a dispute dating back to the Talmud, which is likewise disputed in the codifiers, as to what constitutes kneading and as to which materials are forbidden to […]

Making Kiddush as soon as arrive home

Making Kiddush as soon as one arrives home:[1] It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar[2] to recite Kiddush as close to the entrance of Shabbos as possible.[3] [This especially applies if one has hungry guests or family members waiting to start the meal.[4] It goes without saying that one should not […]

Drying the Kiddush cup

Drying the inside of a cup on Shabbos:[1] It is forbidden to dry a wet cup with a cloth [or tissue or napkin[2]] on Shabbos.[3] This applies whether the cup is wet due to water, wine or other beverages.[4] This prohibition applies even against using a cloth which one is […]

Japan and New Zealand

When does one keep Shabbos in Japan and New Zealand?[1] One keeps Shabbos on the same day as the local community keeps Shabbos, which is on Saturday[2].  Some Poskim[3] however rule that one should in addition to keeping Shabbos on Saturday[4], be stringent to also not do any Melacha on […]

Time Zones

Q&A relating to changes in time zones In areas[1] which the daylight or night lasts for more than 24 hours, how is Shabbos calculated?[2] Shabbos is calculated based on 24 hours and not based on daylight or night. One thus counts six days of 24 hours and sanctifies the seventh […]

Toilet soap on Shabbos

May one use a toilet that contains toilet soap? One is to avoid using all forms of toilet soaps on Shabbos.[1] Thus one is to remove the soap from the toilet before Shabbos. If one did not do so it is permitted to remove the soap on Shabbos. Some are […]

Air freshener

May one spray air freshener in his room or bathroom? Yes[1] [as one is not creating a new smell in any area, as well as that one is doing so in order to repel the bad smells]. [1] Beir Moshe [1/34] [See also Minchas Yitzchak 6/26 which was asked this […]

Removing cobwebs and spiderwebs on Shabbos

May one remove cobwebs on Shabbos?[1] Some Poskim[2] imply that it is permitted to break cobwebs on Shabbos, and doing so does not involve the Muktzah or destroying prohibition, or any other prohibition. Other Poskim[3], however, rule that cobwebs are considered Muktzah, just like earth and twigs and other waste. […]

Reattaching a Mezuzah

If a Mezuzah fell off the doorpost may one reattach it? The Mezuzah fell together with its case: A Mezuzah which fell together with its case may never be replaced on Shabbos to the door being that doing so involves nailing or taping the Mezuzah to the doorpost which contains […]

Emptying a storage room

May one undo a storage room of non-Muktzah items?[1] It is forbidden to undo a storage room on Shabbos, as doing so involves a great amount of energy, [and is thus not befitting to the day of rest]. This applies even if the items in the storage room are not […]

Unplug Drain

May one unplug a drain pipe on Shabbos?[1] It is forbidden to unplug a stuffed drainage pipe on Shabbos unless lack of doing so will cause flooding to one’s house, in which case one may remove the blockage of the pipe with an irregularity.[2] Example: If one’s rain pipes on […]

Tevilas Keilim

Immersing vessels in a Mikveh:[1] It is forbidden to immerse a vessel[2] in a Mikveh on Shabbos if the vessel requires immersion in order to be used.[3] Thus any vessel bought from a gentile and has not yet been immersed may not be immersed on Shabbos. This applies even if […]

Scrubbing, Shining and Polishing

Scrubbing, Shining and Polishing dishes and silverware:[1] One may scrub down, shine and polish all dishes and cutlery needed to be used on Shabbos, even if they are made of silver, so long as the shining agent does not remove any layer of the vessel. Thus it is forbidden to […]

Washing dishes on Shabbos

Washing dishes on Shabbos: [1] All dishes/cutlery needed to be used on Shabbos may be washed anytime on Shabbos, even much time prior to the meal.[2] Thus one may wash the Friday night dishes immediately after the meal on Friday night and does not need to wait until the morning. […]

Garbage

Removing the garbage:[1] Although in general one’s garbage is considered Muktzah, nevertheless it is permitted to remove it outside if the garbage is full. It is forbidden to remove the garbage if it is not yet full.[2] [For a detailed elaboration on this subject see Volume 1 “The Laws of […]

Cleaning spills on Shabbos

Cleaning spills on Shabbos Introduction: Cleaning a spill on Shabbos involves two actions which touch upon a number of possible prohibitions. These two actions are: 1) Wetting the cloth with the spill and 2) Moving around the soaked cloth. Wetting a cloth on Shabbos touches upon a possible laundering and […]

Cleaning one’s table

The laws of removing leftovers from ones table:[1] Introduction: Certain leftover foods are considered Muktzah and are therefore forbidden to be moved. The question hence arises how is one to clean his table from leftovers after the Shabbos meal. It is always permitted to shake the leftovers off the table […]

Moving Furniture

Dragging furniture across one’s floor or ground: [1] It is permitted to drag an average size table, chair, or bed over any floor, including an earth floor, so long as one has no intent to form a ditch in the earth[2] and doing so does not inevitably cause the ditch […]

Mopping ones floor on Shabbos

* This article is an excerpt from the above book *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Mopping on Shabbos:[1] Mopping: It is forbidden to pour water […]

Sweeping one’s house on Shabbos

* This article is an excerpt from the above book *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article 1. Sweeping on Shabbos:[1] A. Using brooms made of hard […]

General Summary of Hatmanah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here General Summary of Hatmanah: It is a Mitzvah to insulate hot food before Shabbos so one can eat hot food on Shabbos, in its honor. The following are the laws involved in how one may insulate his food: Definition […]

1. Insulating food on Shabbos itself

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 1. Insulating food on Shabbos itself:[1] The prohibition:[2] On Shabbos itself it is forbidden to insulate hot foods even with material that does not add heat. The reason:[3] [Now,] even though [insulating with material that does not increase heat] […]

2. The definition of insulation

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 2. The definition of insulation: A. The law if the insulation does not touch the walls of the pot: If the insulating material does not directly touch the pot, then it is not consider insulated. See Chapter 1 Halacha […]

3. The Definition of Insulation

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 3. The definition of insulation: A. The law if the insulation does not touch the walls of the pot:[1] If the [pot was insulated] in a way that the clothing are not touching the pot, such as if one […]

Introduction to Hatmana

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Introduction to Hatmana In the previous sections the laws relevant to leaving food on a flame from before Shabbos and placing it there on Shabbos were discussed. In the following chapter the laws of insulating a food before Shabbos […]

2. Cutting foods to small pieces

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 2. Cutting foods to small pieces: The cutting of foods to very small pieces [Dak Dak] is included in the Melacha of grinding.[1] The following laws will discuss as to which foods this prohibition applies:     What is […]

1. Grinding foods

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 1. Grinding foods: A. Crushing spices:[1] [One who grinds pepper and other spices in a grinder in its normal method transgresses the Biblical Grinding prohibition. This applies even if he ground only one kernel.[2]] Crushing with the handle of […]

0. Introduction to Crushing and Grinding

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here The laws of Crushing, grinding, mashing, and cutting Introduction: The following section will deal with the laws of grinding on Shabbos. Different foods have different laws regarding if and how they may be grinded.   The Av Melacha: Grinding […]

How to read

How is it to be read? One is to read each verse twice and then immediately read the Targum on that verse prior to continuing on to the next verse. This order is followed throughout the entire reading.[1] Nevertheless, from the letter of the law one may read the verses […]

When to read

When is one obligated to read Shnayim Mikra? A. The custom: The custom is to read the entire Shnayim Mikra Echad Targum after midday on Erev Shabbos.[1] [see footnote] B. The letter of the law:[2] The earliest possible to time it is allowed to be read: One is obligated to […]

What to read

What is one obligated to read?[1] One is obligated to read all the pesukim[2] in the Parsha two times and to read the entire Targum Unkulus of that Parsha. [see footnote regarding reading other commentaries instead of Targum[3]] Likewise every G-d fearing Jew is to also read the entire commentary […]

The reward and Sparks of kabala

The Reward for reading Shnayim Mikra:[1] All those which fulfill the Mitzvah of reading Shnayim Mikra by its proper time are given long days and years.   Sparks of Kabala[2] Reading Shnayim Mikra merits a person to draw down a spirit of purity and receive the extra soul [which is […]

Learning and other activities

Learning and doing other activities on Erev Shabbos:[1] One is to slightly diminish the amount of his learning on Erev Shabbos. It goes without saying that one is to diminish from doing other activities.[2] Yeshiva on Erev Shabbos: [Due to the above requirement to diminish in ones learning on Erev […]

Forms of work

The forms of work that are forbidden to be done past Mincha:[1] The Sages only forbade one to do forms of work which fulfill all the following conditions: Melacha Gemura: The work is a complete form of work. [Meaning that it involves laborious activity, as opposed to a job which […]

Mincha on Erev Shabbos

Saying Hodu:[1] It is a custom established from the Ball Shem Tov to recite psalm 107 prior to the Mincha prayer.[2] Hodu is omitted prior to Mincha Erev Shabbos which is also Yom Tov or Chol Hamoed.[3] [Some communities are accustomed to recite Hodu together with a Minyan.[4] This is […]

Accepting joyfully

 Accepting Shabbos with joy:[1] One is to wear elegant clothing and rejoice in the coming of Shabbos like one is going to greet the king, and like one who is greeting a bride and groom. This was the custom of the greatest of our Sages which would garb themselves in […]

Checking pockets

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 close to shabbos

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] […]

Shabbos reminders

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 […]

Preparing the Blech

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

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 […]

Clothing

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 […]

Nails

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 […]

Haircut

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 […]

Mikveh

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

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 […]

Tasting the foods on Erev Shabbos

Tasting the foods on Erev Shabbos:[1] One is to taste the Shabbos foods on Erev Shabbos [to see if they need anything added to them in order to ensure their tastiness[2]]. [Nevertheless, this was not seen to be the custom of the Previous Rebbe.[3]] It is proper to taste each […]

Setting up the Shabbos table

Setting the table for Shabbos:[1] When to set the table:[2] One[3] is to set up the Shabbos table [including its chairs[4]] on Erev Shabbos in preparation for the Friday night meal.[5] [The silverware and china are to be clean and polished for the meal.[6] There is no need however to […]

Sharpening knives on Erev Shabbos

Sharpening knives on Erev Shabbos:[1] One is to beware to sharpen the [kitchen and eating] knives every Erev Shabbos, as preparing oneself for eating is included within the honor of Shabbos.[2] In addition, [at times] one needs to sharpen the knives for the sake of Shalom Bayis [marital harmony], such […]

Keeping floor clean

Not to dirty one’s floor by the Shabbos meals:[1] It is proper[2] to beware at the night and day meal from dirtying one’s floor by throwing food remnants onto it.[3] Rather one is to throw the remnants onto the tablecloth which is on the table and after the meal one […]

Cleaning preparations

Cleaning the house for Shabbos:[1] One is to clean and tidy all matters of his house so that when he comes home from Shul the house is found clean and organized.[2] [The floors are to be swept and cleaned.[3] When cleaning the house for Shabbos one should mention that he […]

Designating food for shabbos

Food designated for Shabbos:[1] If one was given food for Shabbos it should not be eaten during the week. This is an act of piety, although from the letter of the law there is no prohibition in the matter.[2] [1] 242/8 [2] This can be learned from the law in […]

Separating challah

Separating Challah:[1] The amount of dough needed to separate with a blessing: One may only separate Challah with a blessing if he has 1,666.6 grams of flour.[2] If one has less than this amount but more than 1,250 grams[3] he is to separate Challah without a blessing. How much dough […]

Baking Challahs

Baking Challahs:[1] It is customary for every household to bake Challahs for Shabbos which are used for Lechem Mishneh and not to buy them at the bakery as is done during the week. This matter of baking one’s own Challah is included in the honoring of Shabbos and Yom Tov […]

How much to enhance shabbos

How much should one spend in order to enhance Shabbos and what should be part of the Shabbos menu? The foods eaten to fulfill the mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos vary in accordance to each countries definition of a luxurious food. Thus those foods and beverages which considered delicacies in ones […]

The Mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos

The mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos:[1] A Biblical or Rabbinical precept: There are two matters regarding Shabbos that were expounded on by the prophets. These are the Mitzvah to honor Shabbos [i.e. Kavod Shabbos] and Oneg Shabbos.[2] These two Shabbos obligations [to honor and enjoy it] are in truth […]

Shopping for Shabbos

Shopping for Shabbos: When to go shopping:[1] It is best to purchase foods which require further preparation[2] on Thursday, as opposed to Erev Shabbos.[3] Readymade foods, such as beverages and different readymade desserts and the like, are better to be purchased on Friday. If the store will close and one […]

The Mitzvah to help prepare for Shabbos

Preparing for Shabbos-A Mitzvah and obligation upon each person:[1] Best to personally perform all the Shabbos preparations: Even if one has many servants he is to endeavor to personally prepare [all[2] or as much as possible of] his Shabbos needs.[3] [This applies even if doing all the Shabbos preparations will […]

Making Dye

Making dye on Shabbos:[1] It is forbidden to make dye on Shabbos, such as by soaking pigment in water, [due to the dyeing prohibition[2], or alternatively due to the kneading prohibition[3].]   General Q&A May one use Q-tips on Shabbos? This is allowed.[4]   [1] Magen Avraham 320/25 brought also […]

4. Dyeing Foods

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 4. Dyeing foods:[1] One is permitted to place turmeric in food and there is no need to worry [that doing so] is [transgressing the] coloring [prohibition] as there is no coloring [prohibition involved] in [dyeing] food. Getting pigment on […]

4. Washing hands with salt/ soap/fats

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 4. Washing ones hands with salt/ soap/fats:[1] It is forbidden to wash one’s hands in salt[2] and certainly with soap[3] or other fats. The reason for this is: because [the material] dissolves in one’s hand and is as if […]