Hilchos Shabbos Table Learning
A Weekly Guide to Shabbos Laws for Personal Study and Family Discussion
This weeks Topic✨
Preparing for Shabbos & Oneg Shabbos 🕯️🍞
- The Mitzvah of Preparing for Shabbos 🧺🍲
Every member of the family is encouraged to personally participate in preparing for Shabbos. Each individual is responsible for personally undertaking at least one act of preparation in recognition of the significance of Shabbos. This mitzvah applies to everyone, regardless of age or status—even great Torah scholars and community leaders would do something themselves to honor Shabbos. The more you help, the greater the mitzvah. If you only do one thing, it’s best to help with something you especially enjoy, such as setting the table or helping cook your favorite dish. 🧑🍳🍽️
- Example: A child might help by placing the challah cover on the table, while an adult might prepare a special dish or tidy the house. 🧹
Sources: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 250; Admur 250:4 Kuntrus Achron 2; Michaber 250:1
The Power of Shabbos Preparation 💪✨
The effort and even the sweat involved in preparing for Shabbos is considered very special. The Arizal teaches that this effort helps erase one’s sins and brings blessings.
- Example: Whether you’re sweeping the floor or peeling potatoes, every bit of effort counts and is precious in Hashem’s eyes.
Sources: Shaareiy Teshuvah 250; Ketzos Hashulchan 70
Preparing When Away from Home
Even if you are spending Shabbos at a hotel or as a guest, it is good to participate in some aspect of the preparations. This could be bringing a dish, helping set the table, or assisting in another way.
- Example: If you’re a guest, offer to help set up the table, or do something in the kitchen.
🏆 Challenge:
What is one thing you can do to help prepare for Shabbos this week? Adults and children alike are invited to think about their contribution and share it at the Shabbos table.
When to Begin Shabbos Preparations 🕗 🌄
It is ideal to begin preparing for Shabbos early on Friday morning. Additional preparations can be made later in the day, before sunset. This practice is based on the way the Jewish people prepared the manna in the desert, starting in the morning.
- Example: Families might start by cleaning the house or cooking in the morning, and later set out candles and food as Shabbos approaches.
Sources: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 250:1; Exodus 16:5
- The Importance of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos 🎩🍰
Honoring Shabbos (Kavod) and enjoying Shabbos (Oneg) are central mitzvos. Some authorities say these are Biblical obligations, while others say they are Rabbinic, but all agree they are very important. Fulfilling these mitzvos brings great spiritual reward, including forgiveness and closeness to Hashem.
Example: Treat Shabbos like a special celebration—dress nicely, set a beautiful table, and enjoy delicious food. 👗🍷🍽️
Sources: Yeshaya 58:13; Shulchan Aruch Harav Orach Chaim 242:1; Shabbos 118a
How Do We Fulfill Oneg Shabbos?
Oneg Shabbos is fulfilled by enjoying special foods and drinks, eating three meals with bread, lighting Shabbos candles, resting, and refraining from worrying about weekday matters. Even taking a nap is part of Oneg Shabbos. 🥖🍲🕯️😴
- Example: Children can help by choosing their favorite treat for Shabbos, while adults might prepare a favorite recipe or ensure the home is peaceful and welcoming.
Sources: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 242:1 ; 288:3; 263:1
