This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here Eating on Erev Shabbos: Arranging a large feast:[1] It is forbidden for one to establish[2] a large feast on Erev Shabbos, which one is not accustomed to eating during the week if the feast involves drinking alcoholic beverages.[3] It is […]

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

Cutting ones nails:[1] It is a Mitzvah to cut one’s [hand[2]] nails every[3] Erev Shabbos.[4]   Sparks of Kabala-Meaning behind nails:[5] The nails are rooted in a very high spiritual source. Prior to the sin of eating from the tree of knowledge Adam was completely covered by nails which protected […]

Taking a shower after Mikveh:[1] It is permitted to shower after Mikveh[2], although some are stringent not to do so.[3] Nevertheless, on Erev Shabbos [and Erev Yom Tov] according to all it is better not to do so, in order so one not completely wash off the Mikveh water from his […]

Preparation for Mikveh-Chatzitza: It is not required to remove a Chatzitza from the body prior to the immersion of a Baal Keri, and so is the custom.[1] [Nevertheless some Poskim[2] are stringent.] Thus one does not need to cut his nails, clean them, brush his hair or wash other parts […]

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

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 are considered delicacies in […]

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 […]

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 […]

Borrowing money and taking money from charity for the sake of the Shabbos meals: Borrowing money to enhance Shabbos:[1] If one does not have money for Shabbos expenses he is to borrow money if he has an item which is able to be given as collateral to the lender[2].[3] Nonetheless, […]

When to begin preparing for shabbos and Rosh Chodesh reminders: When on Erev Shabbos is one to begin the preparations for Shabbos?[1] Begin the preparations in the morning: One is to always wake up early on Erev Shabbos in order to begin working and preparing for the needs of Shabbos in […]

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 come in […]