Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

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 […]

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 […]