Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

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 […]

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 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:[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 […]

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 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 […]

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:[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 […]