Should one do “Iskafya[1]” on Shabbos and refrain from delving into lavish delicacies?[2] It is clear that both on the Halachic[3] and esoteric[4] aspects of the Torah it is a Mitzvah to embellish in Oneg Shabbos, by eating delicacies and drinking fine beverages, and the concept of sanctifying oneself […]
Kavod Shabbos
Kavod Shabbos: Wearing clean [and elegant] clothing was defined by the Sages as the requirement of the Mitzvah of honoring Shabbos.[1] The following sub-categories fall under this Mitzvah: Baking Challahs for Shabbos, as opposed to buying them from a bakery, is included in Kavod Shabbos and Yom Tov.[2] (Likewise even those which […]
Oneg Shabbos
What matters are included within the Mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos? Oneg Shabbos: Eating delicacies of food and beverages[1] was defined by the Sages as the requirement of the Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos[2] and it is the main aspect of Oneg.[3] The following sub-categories are included within this Mitzvah: […]
Setting table for Shabbos
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]] […]
Importance of cutting nails Erev Shabbos
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 […]
Showering after Mikveh
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 […]
Mikveh Erev Shabbos When
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 […]
Mikveh on Erev Shabbos
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 […]
Shabbos Menu
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 […]
Shabbos Preparations
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 […]
Cleaning for Shabbos
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
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 […]
Shabbos Budgeting
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 preparation
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 […]
Mitzvah to prepare 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 come in […]
The reading of Amaleik in Ki Seitzei and Haftorah
The Torah reading of Parshas Ki Seitzei: If one missed Parshas Zachar: If one did not hear the reading of Amaleik on Parshas Zachar he can still fulfill his Biblical obligation through hearing the Torah reading of Amaleik in Parshas Ki Seitzei.[1] [In such a case however one must have […]
Talking between Aliyos
Talking during Kerias Hatorah:[1] Once the reader has begun to read the Torah it is forbidden for the congregants to speak.[2] [Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule that even prior to the start of the reading, once the Sefer Torah is opened, it is forbidden to speak.] Words of Torah:[4] It is […]
Talking during Kerias Hatorah
Talking during Kerias Hatorah:[1] Once the reader has begun to read the Torah it is forbidden for the congregants to speak.[2] [Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule that even prior to the start of the reading, once the Sefer Torah is opened, it is forbidden to speak.] The severity of the […]
Answering Amen to Kaddish when two people are not saying it together
How is one to answer Amen to Kaddish if more than one person is saying Kaddish and they are not saying it simultaneously?[1] If they do not conclude the stanzas in Kaddish simultaneously, and there is an interval of Kdei Dibbur between the two conclusions of the blessing, then one […]
Answering Minyan one isn’t part of
Must one answer Amen, and answer to Kaddish and Kedusha of a Minyan that he is not participating in? Not in same room as Minyan: If one is not in the same room as the Minyan and hears Kaddish or Kedusha, some Poskim[1] rule that although he is allowed to […]
Personal Requests by Shema Koleinu Part 2
Personal requests in Shema Koleinu-Part 2 Personal requests in Shema Koleinu:[1] Confessing and then requesting livelihood:[2] It is proper [based on Kabala] for one to confess [his personal sins[3]] in Shomeia Tefila using a singular wording [i.e. Chatasi, Avisi, Pashati[4]] and then request [money for] his sustenance. This applies even […]
Vesein Tal Umatar
Saying Vesein Tal Umatar Levaracha: A. When does one begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar?[1] Eretz Yisrael: Those who live in Eretz Yisrael begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar Levracha starting from Maariv of the 7th of MarCheshvon. Diaspora: Those living in the Diaspora begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar etc on the […]
Mashiv Haruach
Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem: What is the request of Mashiv Haruach?[1] The purpose of the prayer of Mashiv Haruach is not to request for rain. This request only begins in the month of Cheshvon with the request of Vesein Tal Umatar Levracha. It is rather an introductory prayer of appeasement […]
Tachanun after Sukkos
Tachanun:[1] Tachanun is omitted until the beginning of Cheshvon. Tzidkascha is not recited on the Shabbos in between. [1] Siddur Admur; Custom brought in Magen Avraham 669/1; Shaareiy Teshuvah 131/15; Seder Hayom [in end of section regarding Sukkos]; Kneses Hagedola; Peri Chadash 131/6 [entire month of Tishrei]; Chesed Leavraham Mayan […]
Kashrus of juice stands
May one purchase juices without a Hashgacha? A. Freshly squeezed juice stands: One may purchase juices at fruit stands without a Hashgacha so long as the following conditions are met: One is not in Eretz Yisrael, and the fruits used have no reason to be assumed that they come from […]
Saying Brachos after Davening
May the morning blessings be said after Shacharis?[1] If one davened Shacharis prior to reciting the morning blessings he is to recite all[2] the morning blessings after davening. However there is an opinion which states that the blessing of Elokaiy Neshama should not be recited if one already Davened.[3] Practically, […]
Corrected self at end of Bracha
What is the law if one said Zokeif Kefufim and then quickly corrected himself and said Matir Assurim?[1] Intended to say Zokeif Kefufim: If one intended to recite the blessing of Zokeif Kefufim and he indeed concluded with the words Zokeif Kefufim and then quickly corrected himself and said Matir […]
Hearing Brachos from another
Fulfilling ones obligation through hearing the blessings from another person:[1] One does not fulfill his obligation of the morning blessings through hearing them from another person, even if the other person has in mind to fulfill ones obligation. If however one hears the blessings from a Chazan, in the presence […]
Morning Brachos before Alos
May one recite the morning blessings upon awakening, prior to daybreak/Alos?[1] Example: One wakes up at 4:00 A.M. to go to work. Alos only begins at 4:50. May he say the morning blessings prior to this time? One who slept [at least sixty breaths[2]] at night and became obligated[3] in […]
Shelo Asani Shifcha
Shelo Asani Shifcha:[1] Some women have the custom to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Shifcha in place of Shelo Asani Aved.[2] [This is not the widespread Chabad custom, however there are some that say it.[3]] Shelo Asani Goyah: Some women have the custom to recite the blessing of […]
A Convert
Does a person in captivity recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved?[1] Even a person in captivity is to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved.[2] Does a convert say the blessing of “Shelo Asani Goy”?[3] There are opinions[4] which say that a convert should recite the blessing of […]
Shelo Asani Goy
The blessings of Shelo Asani Goy, Shelo Asani Aved, Shelo Asani Isha:[1] Aside for the above blessings [which cover the physical benefits that one receives on a daily basis] one is also obligated to recite the following three blessings: Shelo Asani Goy[2]; Shelo Asani Aved; Shelo Asani Isha. These blessings […]
Benefits of Blessings
The benefits the following blessings correspond to Roka Haaretz Al Hamayim: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for giving us land to stand on. Sheasa Li kol Tzarki: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for giving us the comfort of wearing [leather[1]] shoes. […]
Hanosen Layaef Koach
Hanosane Layaef Koach:[1] Is a blessing recited in thanks to G-d for returning a fresh and re-energized soul to one’s body, which is a great act of kindness. This blessing was instituted by the Geonim as a result of the physical weakness which had descended to the world.[2] [1] 46/6; […]
Matir Assurim & Zokef Kefufim
Matir Assurim: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for giving us the ability to move around our limbs after a night’s sleep of being unable to move. Zokef Kefufim: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-D for giving us the ability to stand straight […]
Hanosen Lasechvi Bina
The blessings recited and their corresponding pleasure:[1] Hanosein Lasechvi Binah: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for creating the rooster which awakens man in the morning.[2] Sparks of Kabala The inner meaning of Hanosein Lasechvy Bina:[3] The spiritual root of the rooster in the world of […]
Properly verbalizing Elokaiy Neshama
The Nussach: Making an interval between Elokaiy and Neshama:[1] One is required to make a slight break between the words Elokaiy and Neshama, in order so it does not sound like one is saying that his soul is his G-d. [The Rebbe Rashab would also make an interval between the […]
Awaking in middle of night
One who awoke before daybreak and plans to return to sleep:[1] If one awoke[2] [in middle of the night, even past midnight] and knows that he will be going back to sleep a set[3] sleep for a second time, he should say the blessing of Elokaiy Neshama without […]
Delaying Netilas Yadayim
Reciting the blessing after the second washing:[1] After awakening in the morning one is to wash his hands [near his bed] without saying a blessing, immediately[2] proceed to use the bathroom, and [immediately] after leaving the bathroom he is to wash his hands a second time and recite the blessing […]
When to say Birchas Hashachar
When are the morning blessings to be recited; at home or in Shul? The ruling in Shulchan Aruch: Al Netilas Yadayim; Asher Yatzar; Elokaiy Neshama:[1] These three blessings are to be recited immediately upon awakening as explained in Chapter 6. Hanosen Lasechvi Binah through Hagomel Chassadim Tovim:[2] These blessings were […]
Birchas Hashachar
What is Birchas Hashachar?[1] Birchas Hashachar is a list of daily blessings instituted by the Sages to be said as a blessing to G-d in accordance to the typical daily pleasures that people benefit from. The blessings were instituted to be said at the time that one first receives these […]
Morning Blessings
The morning blessings: According to Chabad custom one that did not sleep throughout the night is to nevertheless recite all the morning blessings himself, including washing hands with Al Netilas Yadayim[1], Elokaiy Neshama[2], Hamavir Sheiyna[3], Birchas Hatorah[4], and all the other morning blessings.[5] This however is with exception to the […]
Walking before washing 2
Q&A on walking four Amos May one sit up on his bed prior to washing hands? Some[1] avoid sitting up on the bed prior to washing hands.[2] May one place his feet on the ground prior to washing?[3] One[4] is to beware from placing his feet on the […]
Eating food that was touched
Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop * This article is an excerpt from the above book WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Donatehttp://www.youtube.com/embed/DoDsRmO4AGc?autoplay=1 Not to touch food and drink prior to washing hands upon awakening and the law Bedieved:[1] The general law: [It goes without saying that one must […]
Touched food before washing
Not to touch food and drink:[1] [It goes without saying that one must be very careful[2]] not to touch any food or drink prior to washing in order not to contaminate it. [Women must be especially warned regarding this as the majority of the food preparations are done by them.[3]] […]
Touched washing water
Not to touch the washing water:[1] One must be [very[2]] careful[3] not to touch the water in the vessel before washing[4] as one who does so contaminates the water with his hands [and is considered as if it was already used and is hence invalid for washing[5]]. Thus one must […]
Touching body before washing 2
May one itch himself in middle of one’s sleep if he has an itch in the above mentioned areas?[1] If one has an itch in one of the above mentioned areas of his body then he is to scratch it using a cloth[2] and may not do so using his […]
Touching body before washing
The restrictions which apply prior to washing ones hands: A. The parts of the body that one is to avoid touching:[1] [The Talmud severely warns[2] that] one may not touch his eyes[3] [lest he become blind[4]], ears [lest he become deaf[5]], nose [lest he contract bad smells[6]], mouth [lest he […]
Restrictions before washing
Introduction: Every Jew upon awakening in the morning is required to wash his hands with a blessing. The reasons behind this blessing and all of its Halachic details will be discussed in the next chapter. Prior to washing one’s hands there are certain matters that are forbidden to be done. […]
Modeh Ani 2
Saying Modeh Ani: In what position is it to be recited? One should say it while still sitting or lying on his bed.[1] [One who sits up on his bed is to do so without placing his feet on the ground.[2] One is to place one hand against the other, […]
Modeh Ani
Saying Modeh Ani:[1] Immediately upon awakening, even prior to washing ones hands[2], it is proper to[3] [accustom oneself[4] to] say Modeh Ani.[5] [This is done in order to remember that Hashem is standing over him and motivate him to get up with alacrity.[6] Alternatively it is done in order […]
Shevisi Hashem
Thinking of being in G-d’s constant presence: To think of G-d immediately upon awakening:[1] [Immediately upon awakening, in order for one to overcome his inclination and motivate himself to get out of bed with alacrity[2]], he should [accustom himself to immediately[3]] think about who he is lying before and how […]
Waking like a Lion
Waking up on time:[1] One should be strong like a lion and overcome his desire [to continue sleeping] by waking [from his sleep[2] some time[3]] prior to the morning [dawn[4]] in order to serve G-d [which is the purpose of his creation and it is for this reason that his […]
Shemiras Einayim
As light as an eagle:[1] Control ones sight: One is to be as light as an eagle. This refers to ones sight, that one should close his eyes to avoid viewing evil. Just like the eagle changes his glance very swiftly when he flies across the heavens, so too one […]
Bold as a Leopard
Introduction The Tur begins the first law of his noted work “Arba Turim” with a quote of the Mishneh in Avos[1]. This Mishneh is a general description of the conduct a Jew is to emulate throughout his life. These matters to be listed are fundamental pillars in successful service […]
