From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Tuesday 28th Sivan 5785]

*8. Making Kugel for Shabbos:[1]

Some communities have the custom of eating a Knish^[2] on Friday night.^[3] There is no need however to be particular in this matter.[4] [However, it is an old Jewish custom to eat Kugel on Shabbos, and some write that this takes the place of the Knish custom.[5]]

The Pashtida of the Baal Shem Tov:^[6]

Once when the Rebbetzin of Rav Yaakov Yosef of Polnoa returned from the house of the Baal Shem Tov, he asked her, ‘What did the Baal Shem Tov’s wife teach you?’ She replied simply, ‘The rabbanit taught me the Kavanos of the Ketores that one should have upon cooking the Knish for Shabbos.”

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[1] See Rama 242:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 242:12

[2] A knish is a beloved staple of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine—a savory pastry filled with mashed potatoes, kasha (buckwheat), onions, or sometimes meat or cheese. The dough is typically soft and pillowy, and the whole thing can be either baked or fried, depending on the style.

[3] Rama 242:1 “Some wrote that in certain communities it is accustomed to eat Mulyasa, which is called Pashtida on Friday night in commemoration of the Mun which was covered on top and on bottom.”; Maharil Hilchos Shabbos p. 204; Siddur Yaavetz that the Medakdikin are particular in this, and that so did his father the Chacham Tzevi

[4] Rama ibid; The entire minhag is omitted from Admur ibid; Toras Chaim Sofer 242:6; See Biur Halacha 242:1 “Zecher” who questions this entire Minhag on the basis that the Mun did not fall on Shabbos

[5] Nimukei Orach Chaim 271:2; Piskeiy Teshuvos 242:12

[6] Migdal Oz p. 246; Haparsha Hachassidit [Chazak] Vol. 1 p. 348

Nurturing Potential skills of a child:

Many children possess unique talents and abilities waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Recognizing and utilizing your child’s skills not only builds their confidence, but also fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When parents actively encourage the development of these natural talents, children are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By helping children harness their skills, families lay the foundation for lifelong resilience, adaptability, and fulfillment, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to face future challenges with creativity and self-assurance. The following is a story of a special wood carving skill that was held by the Rebbe Maharash:[1]

Already from when the Rebbe Maharash was five years old he had revealed a special talent in word carving. He would use small knives to carve beautiful pictures and designs into pieces of wood. An elderly Chassid once offered the child his own special carving knife as a gift if the child would be able to tell him as to where G-d is found. The child responded by taking out his own knife and offering it to the elderly Chassid as a gift if he can tell him as to where G-d is not found. The Chassid smiled and said that with his response he has rightfully earned his carving knife as a gift.

[1] Reshimos Devarim 1:143; Haparsha Hachassidit 1 p. 349