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[[Image:Friday.png|thumb|200px|right|Friday on a Jewish calendar]]
[[Image:Friday.png|thumb|200px|right|Friday on a Jewish calendar]]
This is not an article on how to properly observe Shabbat. Rather, it is a chapter on how to properly observe Erev Shabbat, Friday. Indeed, there is an entire array of laws and customs on how to maximize our Fridays in preparation for Shabbat.  Even one who has servants at his disposal is obligated to personally tend to at least some of the Shabbat preparations himself. <ref>Rivevot Ephraim 1:181, S"A OC 250:1, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
There is an entire array of laws and customs on how to maximize our Fridays in preparation for [[Shabbat]].  Even one who has servants at his disposal is obligated to personally tend to at least some of the [[Shabbat]] preparations himself. <ref>Rambam Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 30:6, Tur Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 250:1, Magen Avraham 250:2, Baer Heitiv 250:2, Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham 250:2, Chayei Adam [[Shabbat]] 1:3, Shulchan Aruch Harav 250:4, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:5, Mishna Brurah 250:4, Rivevot Ephraim 1:181, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The gemara [[Shabbat]] 119a reports how many amoraim would exert themselves in preparing for [[shabbat]]. Orchot Rabbeinu 3: pg. 228 says that the Steipler used to sweep the house in honor of [[Shabbat]] </ref>


==Obligation==
==Obligation==
# This mitzvah of preparing for Shabbat applies to everyone. <ref>S"A 250:1, Mishna Brurah 250:3 </ref>Even an important person should prepare and not consider it degrading because in fact it is an honor to honor Shabbat. <Ref>Meoros HaShabbos (vol 1, pg 18) </ref>
# This mitzvah of preparing for [[Shabbat]] applies to everyone.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 250:1, Mishna Brurah 250:3 </ref> Even an important person should prepare for [[Shabbat]] and not consider it degrading because in fact it is an honor to honor [[Shabbat]].<Ref>Meoros HaShabbos (vol 1, pg 18) </ref>
# Work should be minimized on Fridays in order to allow for plenty of time to properly prepare for Shabbat. <ref> Mishna Berura 25:1-4, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Sefer Chassidim 121, 122.  See also the Kaf Hachaim, OC 250:5; Shaarei Teshuva 250:2.who write that the sweat one emits while preparing for Shabbat is said to erase one's sins from the Heavenly record. </ref>
# Work should be minimized on Fridays in order to allow for plenty of time to properly prepare for [[Shabbat]].<ref> Mishna Brurah 25:1-4, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Sefer Chassidim 121, 122.  See also the Kaf Hachaim 250:5 Shaare Teshuva 250:2, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Lech Lecha 2:4, Machazik Beracha 250:1, Chesed Laalafim 250:1, Tziporen Shamir 9:126, Kaf Hachaim Palachi 27:11 who all write that the sweat one emits while preparing for [[Shabbat]] is said to erase one's sins from the Heavenly record. </ref>
# It is the husband's job to ensure that the Shabbat candles are in place and ready for lighting each week. <Ref> [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Kaf Hachaim, OC 250:9. </ref>
# It is the husband's job to ensure that the [[Shabbat]] candles are in place and ready for lighting each week.<Ref> [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Kaf Hachaim, OC 250:9. </ref>
# Even if one had many helpers or family members preparing for Shabbat one should make an effort to personally be involved in preparing for Shabbat. <ref>S"A 250:1 </ref>
# Even if one had many helpers or family members preparing for [[Shabbat]] one should make an effort to personally be involved in preparing for [[Shabbat]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 250:1 </ref>
# One should endeavor to purchase flowers in honor of Shabbat. <ref>Shir Hashirim Rabba 2:9; Vayikra Rabba 23:6; Kaf Hachaim (Palagi) 36:2, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# One should endeavor to purchase flowers in honor of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Shir Hashirim Rabba 2:9; Vayikra Rabba 23:6; Kaf Hachaim (Palagi) 36:2, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# Some great Rabbis have the practice to honor Shabbat by ensuring that the Shabbat table is set early in the day and some even set it on Thursday nights. <ref>[http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# A person should try to review his deeds from the past week and resolve to correct his mistakes on Fridays.<ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:15 </ref>
# Even if it means minimizing one's amount of Torah learning on Friday, one should still personally be involved in preparing for Shabbat.<ref>Rama 251:2</ref>
 
==Buying Food for Shabbat==
# The amount of money one receives from Hashem for the year does not include the money that he spends for [[Shabbat]]. <ref> Gemara Beitza 16b </ref> Although one shouldn't force himself to borrow money to buy extra [[Shabbat]] foods, one should spend according to his wealth and whoever adds is praiseworthy. <ref> Rambam [[Shabbat]] 30:7, Shulchan Aruch 250:2, Aruch Hashulchan 250:4 </ref>
# One should begin one's [[Shabbat]] preparations as early as possible on Friday.  <Ref> Gemara [[Shabbat]] 117b, Rosh [[Shabbat]] 16:5, Tur and Shulchan Aruch 250:1, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). Mishna Brurah and Aruch Hashulchan 250:1 write that this is to commemorate that the manna fell in the desert early Friday morning. </ref>
# One should make sure to buy one's food for [[Shabbat]] on Friday and not before <ref>Gemara [[Shabbat]] 117b writes that a person should get up early on Friday to prepare for [[Shabbat]]. This is also the opinion of Shulchan Aruch 250:1. Mishna Brurah 250:2 (based on Magen Avraham 250:1) explains that the reason is that by purchasing food for [[Shabbat]] on Friday it's more recognizable that one is preparing for [[Shabbat]] than if one were to buy the food on Thursday. So rule Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1), Aruch Hashulchan 250:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:4 and Elya Rabba 250:1. </ref> One shouldn't even buy the food on Thursday night. <ref> Nishmat [[Shabbat]] 1:101 </ref> However, if there's a fear that one won't be able to buy one's food on Friday or that the food will not be ready in time if bought on Friday, then one may do so on Thursday. <ref> Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham 250:1, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Lech Lecha 2:6, Shaare Teshuva 250:1, Shulchan Aruch Harav 250:7, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:4, Mishna Brurah 250:2, Kaf Hachaim 250:3. </ref> On a short friday, one may do his shopping earlier. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Parashat Lech Lecha 2:6 </ref>
# One must pray before going to buy one's food for [[Shabbat]] and if one regularly learns one should not change one's practice and only buy the food afterwards unless there's a fear that one will loose the opportunity to buy the food in which case one should delay one's learning.<ref>Mishna Brurah 250:1, Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1) </ref>
# If there's a fear that if one waits until after [[davening]] one may loose the opportunity to buy one's food for [[Shabbat]] before [[prayer]] but one should at least say Shema beforehand. <ref>Mishna Brurah 250:1, Pri Megadim Mishbetzot Zahav 250:1, Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1) </ref>
# When buying food for [[Shabbat]], it is praiseworthy to verbally state to oneself that the food is for such purpose. <ref>Mishna Brurah 250:2, Kaf HaChaim 250:2, Machatzit Hashekel 250:1, Shulchan Aruch Harav 250:6, Chesed La'alafim 250:6 </ref>
# Indeed, one should endeavor to do something every day of the week in honor of [[Shabbat]], as did Shammai. Whenever Shammai would go shopping and come across a tasty piece of meat, he would purchase it in honor of [[Shabbat]]. If later in the week he came across an even more attractive piece of meat, he would eat the first one and save the nicer one in honor of [[Shabbat]]. <ref>[http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) quoting Beitza 16a. See also Pesikta Rabati 23. </ref>
# Even if one has already prepared Friday morning preferably one should prepare just before [[Shabbat]] starts. <ref>Mishna Brurah 250:2, Kaf HaChaim 250:4 </ref>


==Buying food for Shabbat==
# One should begin one's Shabbat preparations as early as possible on Friday.  <Ref> Gemara Shabbat 117b, Tur and S"A 250:1, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# One should make sure to buy one's food for Shabbat on Friday and not before unless one feels that one won't be able to find those items if one only goes to the store on Friday. <ref>Gemara Shabbat 117b writes that a person should get up early on Friday to prepare for Shabbat. So rules S"A 250:1. Mishna Brurah 250:2 explains that the reason is that by purchasing food for Shabbat on Friday it's more recognizable that one is preparing for Shabbat than if one were to buy the food on Thursday. He adds that if there's a fear that one won't be able to buy one's food on Friday then one may do so on Thursday. So rules Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1). </ref>
# One must pray before going to buy one's food for Shabbat and if one regularly learns one should not change one's practice and only buy the food afterwards unless there's a fear that one will loose the opportunity to buy the food in which case one should delay one's learning.<ref>Mishna Brurah 250:1, Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1) </ref>
# If there's a fear that if one waits until after davening one may loose the opportunity to buy one's food for Shabbat before prayer but one should at least say Shema beforehand. <ref>Mishna Brurah 250:1, Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1) </ref>
# When buying food for Shabbat, it is praiseworthy to verbally state to oneself that the food is for such purpose. <ref>Mishna Berura 250:2, Kaf HaChaim 250:2 </ref>
# Indeed, one should endeavor to do something every day of the week in honor of Shabbat, as did Shammai. Whenever Shammai would go shopping and come across a tasty piece of meat, he would purchase it in honor of Shabbat. If later in the week he came across an even more attractive piece of meat, he would eat the first one and save the nicer one in honor of Shabbat. <ref>[http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) quoting Beitza 16a. See also Pesikta Rabati 23. </ref>
# Even if one has already prepared Friday morning preferably one should prepare just before Shabbat starts. <ref>Mishna Brurah 250:2, Kaf HaChaim 250:4 </ref>
==Baking Challah for Shabbat==
==Baking Challah for Shabbat==
# The custom is to knead a [[Shiur Challah]] of dough when baking Challah on Friday for Shabbat.<ref>Rama 242:1 </ref>
# The custom is to knead a [[Shiur Challah]] of dough when baking [[Challah]] on Friday for [[Shabbat]].<ref>Rama 242:1 </ref>
# Some authorities say that one should not follow the custom to bake shlissel [[challah]] (key [[challah]]) on the [[Shabbat]] before [[Rosh Chodesh]] Iyar.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/774499/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_#79_-_Yevamos_-_גר_תושב Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org (in first minute)] ruled that it's prohibited to bake shlissel [[challah]] (key [[challah]]) because it's Darkei Emori. </ref>
 
==Working on Friday afternoon==
# One shouldn't begin a a task after [[mincha]] on Friday, some say this refers to 6.5 hours into the day, and some say this refers to 9 hours into the day. Any activity which is permitted on [[Chol HaMoed]] is permitted on Friday after [[mincha]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 251:1, Mishna Brurah 251:5</ref>
See the [[Working_on_Friday_Afternoon]] page for details.
 
==Tasting the food in preparation of Shabbat==
==Tasting the food in preparation of Shabbat==
# It is considered a great a mitzva to taste the Shabbat food every Friday afternoon.  <ref>Torat Menachem (Rav Menachem Mendel Shneerson, vol 18, pg 104) discusses the importance of this minhag as a symbol for the coming of Mashiach. </ref> in order to ensure that it is tasty and fit to be served at the Shabbat meal.<ref>Magan Avraham 250:1 writes that there's a righteous practice to taste the food for Shabbat on Friday in order to know whether it's spiced and tasty. This is quoted by the achronim including Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:3), Aruch Hashulchan, OC 250:4; Kaf Hachaim, OC 250:8; Mishna Berura 250:2; Rivevot Ephraim 2:115:37. Mishna Berura 250:2 writes that one should taste the Shabbat food on Friday in order to ensure that the is is tasty and fit for Shabbat. There's a number of source of this custom:  
# It is considered a great a mitzva to taste the [[Shabbat]] food every Friday afternoon<ref>Torat Menachem (Rav Menachem Mendel Shneerson, vol 18, pg 104) discusses the importance of this minhag as a symbol for the coming of Mashiach. </ref> in order to ensure that it is tasty and fit to be served at the [[Shabbat]] meal.<ref>Magen Avraham 250:1 writes that there's a righteous practice to taste the food for [[Shabbat]] on Friday in order to know whether it's spiced and tasty. This is quoted by the achronim including Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:3), Aruch Hashulchan, OC 250:4; Kaf Hachaim, OC 250:8; Mishna Brurah 250:2; Rivevot Ephraim 2:115:37. Mishna Brurah 250:2 writes that one should taste the [[Shabbat]] food on Friday in order to ensure that the is is tasty and fit for [[Shabbat]]. There's a number of source of this custom:  
* A hint for this custom can be found in the Shabbat Mussaf prayers which include the words "Those who taste it will merit long life". Although "taste it" in this context refers to Shabbat observance, poetic license allows these words to be interpreted as referring to the Shabbat foods, as well. There are those who take this teaching quite literally and insist that those who taste the Shabbat foods are assured a long life! (Machzor Vitri 181; Shibolei Haleket 82; Beit Yosef, OC 286, Elya Rabba 250:6)
* A hint for this custom can be found in the [[Shabbat]] [[Mussaf]] [[prayers]] which include the words "Those who taste it will merit long life". Although "taste it" in this context refers to [[Shabbat]] observance, poetic license allows these words to be interpreted as referring to the [[Shabbat]] foods, as well. There are those who take this teaching quite literally and insist that those who taste the [[Shabbat]] foods are assured a long life! (Machzor Vitri 181; Shibolei Haleket 82; Beit Yosef, OC 286, Elya Rabba 250:6)
* Others suggest that the source for this custom derives from a mishna which enigmatically records that "Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai was given from the foods to taste". Some commentators suggest that this is a reference to the Shabbat foods which Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai would taste every Friday afternoon. ( Torah Chaim 250:2 based on Mishna Sukka 26b)
* Others suggest that the source for this custom derives from a mishna which enigmatically records that "Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai was given from the foods to taste". Some commentators suggest that this is a reference to the [[Shabbat]] foods which Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai would taste every Friday afternoon. (Torah Chaim 250:2 based on Mishna Sukka 26b)
* It is interesting to note that according to the Zohar, the mitzva of tasting the Shabbat food applies on Friday night and not prior to Shabbat, as most are accustomed to.  According to this approach, the reason for tasting the food Friday night is to ensure that the daytime Shabbat foods are tasty.(Zohar, Bereishit 48b.) This opinion is puzzling, however, since once Shabbat has begun all further cooking is forbidden. In most cases it is not even permissible to add spices or do anything else to a food which is cooking on the fire. (Amot Shel Halacha by Rabbi  Ari Enkin)
* It is interesting to note that according to the Zohar, the mitzva of tasting the [[Shabbat]] food applies on Friday night and not prior to [[Shabbat]], as most are accustomed to.  According to this approach, the reason for tasting the food Friday night is to ensure that the daytime [[Shabbat]] foods are tasty.(Zohar, Bereishit 48b.) This opinion is puzzling, however, since once [[Shabbat]] has begun all further [[cooking]] is forbidden. In most cases it is not even permissible to add spices or do anything else to a food which is [[cooking]] on the fire. ([[Amot]] Shel Halacha by Rabbi  Ari Enkin)
* There is another, somewhat unfamiliar, explanation for the custom of tasting the Shabbat foods, as well. There are those who suggest that the custom derives from an ancient practice to fast every Friday until shortly before the arrival of Shabbat. As fasting on a Friday is generally forbidden, the custom of tasting the Shabbat foods close to the onset of Shabbat was born. In this way, through the requirement to taste the Shabbat foods Friday afternoon, those who were fasting could rest assured that their fast didn’t accidentally extend into Shabbat, which would be forbidden. So too, it ensures that one will not enter Shabbat in a state of discomfort or outright hunger. In fact, in some communities this tasting ritual was known as the "boi kalla" meal. (Aseh Lecha Rav 3:14)</ref>It is noted that the custom of tasting the Shabbat foods on Friday afternoons is one which is quite widespread. <ref> Mateh Moshe 408. The kabbalists were especially diligent to taste the Shabbat food on Erev Shabbat, comparing it to the exacting preparations one undertakes in order to properly prepare for the arrival of an important guest.(Shulchan Aruch Ha'arizal 260:5; Pri Eitz Chaim, Shaar 18:3; Shaar Hakavanot, Tevilat Erev Shabbat)</ref>
* There is another, somewhat unfamiliar, explanation for the custom of tasting the [[Shabbat]] foods, as well. There are those who suggest that the custom derives from an ancient practice to fast every Friday until shortly before the arrival of [[Shabbat]]. As fasting on a Friday is generally forbidden, the custom of tasting the [[Shabbat]] foods close to the onset of [[Shabbat]] was born. In this way, through the requirement to taste the [[Shabbat]] foods Friday afternoon, those who were fasting could rest assured that their fast didn’t accidentally extend into [[Shabbat]], which would be forbidden. So too, it ensures that one will not enter [[Shabbat]] in a state of discomfort or outright hunger. In fact, in some communities this tasting ritual was known as the "boi kalla" meal. (Aseh Lecha Rav 3:14)</ref> It is noted that the custom of tasting the [[Shabbat]] foods on Friday afternoons is one which is quite widespread. <ref> Mateh Moshe 408. The kabbalists were especially diligent to taste the [[Shabbat]] food on Erev [[Shabbat]], comparing it to the exacting preparations one undertakes in order to properly prepare for the arrival of an important guest.(Shulchan Aruch Ha'arizal 260:5; Pri Eitz Chaim, Shaar 18:3; Shaar Hakavanot, Tevilat Erev [[Shabbat]])</ref>
# Similarly, there are those who suggest that in the event that one knows exactly how the Shabbat foods taste (i.e. the same recipe and results week after week) there is no obligation to do so. <ref> In fact, it might be a greater display of honor to Shabbat not to taste such food beforehand and to rather save the gastronomic pleasure exclusively for Shabbat itself. </ref> Nevertheless, in order to satisfy most opinions one should be sure to taste at least one dish in honor of Shabbat every Friday afternoon.<ref> Nimukei Orach Chaim 250 </ref>  
# Similarly, there are those who suggest that in the event that one knows exactly how the [[Shabbat]] foods taste (i.e. the same recipe and results week after week) there is no obligation to do so.<ref> In fact, it might be a greater display of honor to [[Shabbat]] not to taste such food beforehand and to rather save the gastronomic pleasure exclusively for [[Shabbat]] itself. </ref> Nevertheless, in order to satisfy most opinions one should be sure to taste at least one dish in honor of [[Shabbat]] every Friday afternoon.<ref> Nimukei Orach Chaim 250 </ref>
==Which foods should be tasted?==
 
# Some authorities suggest that the mitzva of tasting the Shabbat food pertains specifically to the chulent<ref> Yosef Ometz, Minhagei Frankfurt 576  </ref> though most others insist that it applies equally to all the foods which one will be eating throughout Shabbat.<ref>  Magen Avraham, OC 250:1; Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 250:8 </ref>  
==== Tasting Meat on Friday in the Nine Days or a Fast Day ====
==Who should taste the food?==
# On Friday of [[Shabbat Chazon]], one may taste the food without swallowing and then spit it out.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 42:61 </ref> According to Sephardim, if someone always tastes from the food before Shabbat to see if it needs more spices it is permitted to do so even before [[Shabbat Chazon]] even though it is in the [[Nine Days|nine days]]. One who is strict not to do so will be blessed.<ref>Yalkut Yosef Moadim (Dinei Yemey Tisha Bav no. 30)</ref>
# There are a number of authorities who maintain that one is not obligated to taste every single Shabbat dish.  It suffices for the lady of the house to taste the food in the course of her cooking to ensure that all the Shabbat foods are tasty.<ref>  Piskei Teshuvot 250:1 </ref>
# If [[Asara BeTevet]] falls out to be on Friday one may taste the food if one spits it out and doesn’t swallow.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 42:61 </ref>
 
==== Which Foods Should be Tasted? ====
# Some authorities suggest that the mitzva of tasting the [[Shabbat]] food pertains specifically to the chulent<ref> Yosef Ometz, Minhagei Frankfurt 576  </ref> though most others insist that it applies equally to all the foods which one will be eating throughout [[Shabbat]].<ref>  Magen Avraham, OC 250:1; Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 250:8 </ref>  
 
==== Who Should Taste the Food? ====
# There are a number of authorities who maintain that one is not obligated to taste every single [[Shabbat]] dish.  It suffices for the lady of the house to taste the food in the course of her [[cooking]] to ensure that all the [[Shabbat]] foods are tasty.<ref>  Piskei Teshuvot 250:1 </ref>


==Eating on Friday==
==Eating on Friday==
<!--IF ONE CHANGES THIS SECTION PLEASE CHANGE IT ON THE NOT EATING ON EREV SHABBAT PAGE ALSO-->
[[Having a meal on Erev Shabbat]]
===Having a festive meal===
# On Friday, even in the morning, one may not make a large meal which one normally wouldn't have during the week. <ref> S"A 249:2, Aruch HaShulchan 249:4, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The Shulchan Aruch explains that the reason is so that a festive meal on Friday doesn't take away from one's appetite for the Shabbat meal and this is included in Kavod Shabbat. The Mishna Brurah 249:10 quotes another reason; if one is involved in preparing a festive meal it'll prevent one from preparing for Shabbat. </ref>
===Normal meals===
# Strict halacha permits one to eat an amount that’s normal for a weekday meal, however, one should refrain from beginning a meal which is normal for a weekday meal from the 9th hour (Shaot Zmaniot) in the day. <ref> S”A 249:2 writes that halachically it’s permissible to have a meal the whole day because we hold like Rabbi Yose in Pesachim 98b. However, even Rabbi Yose agrees that establishing a meal is forbidden after 9 hours. </ref>
# In the winter months when the Shaot Zmaniot (halachic hours) are short one should refrain from having a meal too close to Shabbat so that if one has a meal one will still have an appetite going into Shabbat. <ref> Mishna Brurah 249:16 </ref>
===Snacks===
# It’s totally permissible to have a snack the entire day of Friday and there’s no preference not to eat after 9 hours. <ref> S”A 249:2 who writes that one can have a snack the whole day and preferably one shouldn’t have a normal meal after 9 hours. Mishna Brurah 249:15 writes this explicitly that a snack is permitted the whole day. </ref>
===Drinks===
# Past the 9th hour, one shouldn’t drink so much that one won’t be hungry for the Shabbat meal. <ref>Mishna Brurah 249:14 writes that the permit  to have snacks the whole day doesn’t include drinks. He concludes that one should at least be careful from 9 hours and on not to have too much that one won’t be hungry for the Shabbat meal. </ref>
==Preparation for Shabbat in Thought, and Word==
# We learn from the Ari"zal that preparations for [[Shabbat]] should be made in thought and word, as well as in deed. One fulfills his obligation to prepare for Shabbat in thought and word by learning the daily portion set out in [[Chok LeYisrael]]. <ref> Halachot of the Ben Ish Hai (Chacham Yosef Chaim) Shana Sheniya, Parashat Lech Lecha, 9. </ref>


==Brit Milah or Pidyon HaBen on Friday==
==Showering for Shabbat==
# One may have the festive meal of a [[Brit Milah]] or [[Pidyon HaBen]] on Friday.<ref>Rama 249:2 writes that if the meal of a mitzvah that has a set time such as Brit Milah and Pidyon HaBen one can have the meal even on Friday. Mishna Brurah 249:12 adds that even if the Brit Milah was delayed because the child was sick or a Pidyon HaBen which was not performed on the 30th day, nonetheless the feast may be held on Friday. Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1 pg 531) agrees. </ref> However, it is preferable to make the meal in the morning (before Chatzot, halachic midday). <ref>Mishna Brurah 249:13, Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1 pg 62) </ref>
# It is also a big mitzva to shower on Fridays, in honor of [[Shabbat]], preferably late in the day. <ref> Mishna Brurah 260:1, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The Elya Rabba 262:6 explains that the reason that one should shower later rather than earlier is because we are taught that the pleasure one derives from a shower and being clean is only appreciated an hour or so afterwards. Delaying the shower closer to [[Shabbat]] will ensure that one enjoys this pleasure on [[Shabbat]] itself. </ref>
# The mitzva of showering can only be fulfilled with warm to hot water. <ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 260:1; Beiur Halacha 260 s.v. “Bechamin” and "Lechof Harosh". But see Devar Chevron 2:229 </ref>
# The order of what to wash first when showering is as follows: head, face, chest, right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg.<ref>[[Shabbat]] 61a; Mishna Brurah 2:7, 260:1; Be'er Moshe 3:1; Ben Ish Chai (Vayishlach 17), [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The Ta’amei Haminhagim 249 writes that this pre-[[Shabbat]] wash is known in kabbalistic circles to assist in removing sins from one’s soul. </ref>
==Laundering One's Clothing==
# The establishment of Ezra Hasofer was that a person should launder all of his clothing before Shabbat on Thursday each week. The reason it was established for Thursday and not Friday is so that it wouldn't interfere with one's preparations for Shabbat.<ref>Gemara Bava Kama 82a, Shulchan Aruch 242:1, Magen Avraham 242:3, Mishna Brurah 242:6</ref> However, because using modern washing machines it is quick to do the laundry it is permitted to do so on Friday.<Ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 42:13 cited by Piskei Teshuvot 242:10. Yalkut Yosef 242:7 writes that it is permitted to do the laundry on Friday but it is proper to do it beforehand. Or Letzion 2:16:1 writes that one shouldn't do it on Friday unless there is an extenuating circumstance.</ref>
# The reason it was established to be done on Thursday and not earlier in the week was so that it was evident that the laundry was being done special for Shabbat. With regards to this concept the laundry can be done already from Wednesday since the kedusha of Shabbat begins to set in.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 242:7</ref> Others hold that it can be done even from the beginning of the week.<Ref>Eliya Rabba 242:9</ref>
# There is only an establishment to clean one's clothing for Shabbat if they're dirty, however, one's outer garments such as one's suit can certainly be worn multiple times before it is cleaned.<ref>Or Letzion 2:16:2, Mishna Brurah 242:5</ref>
==Brushing One's Hair==
# One should brush one's hair nicely in honor of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:12, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). See also Yosef Ometz 565. </ref>


==Wedding on Friday==
==Cutting One's Hair==
# Similarly, a wedding which took place on Friday may be accompanied by a feast. However, it's preferable to push off the feast until Shabbat or another day. <ref>Mishna Brurah 249:9 </ref>
==Engagement party on Friday==
# One should not make a feast for an engagement party on Friday. <ref>S"A 249:2 writes that one should not make a feast even for an engagement which is a seudat mitzvah. However, the Mishna Brurah 249:9 writes that this is only true if the engagement took place on a different day however, if the engagement actually took place on Friday the feast may be held. Nonetheless, the Mishna Brurah concludes that the engagements that we perform nowadays are not halachically binding as they were in the times of the gemara and so it's not considered a seudat mitzvah which would permit a feast on Friday. </ref>
==Fasting on Friday==
# There have even been individuals who would fast each and every Friday in order to ensure that they would have an appetite for the Shabbat meal. <ref>Yerushalmi Ta'anit 2:12; S"A OC 249:3, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)</ref> While such a practice is simply not possible for the masses, it is recommended, however, that one not eat an actual meal (but rather  a light meal or a snack) on Friday, especially during the winter months when Shabbat arrives early. <ref>Aruch HaShulchan 249:6, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>


==Showering for Shabbat==
# If someone has long hair, it is a mitzvah to cut one's hair on Erev Shabbat in honor of Shabbat.<ref>Rama 260:1, Mishna Brurah 260:7</ref>
# It is also a big mitzva to shower on Fridays, in honor of Shabbat, preferably late in the day. <ref> Mishna Brurah 260:1, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The Elya Rabba 262:6 explains that the reason that one should shower later rather than earlier is because we are taught that the pleasure one derives from a shower and being clean is only appreciated an hour or so afterwards. Delaying the shower closer to Shabbat will ensure that one enjoys this pleasure on Shabbat itself. </ref>
# The mitzva of showering can only be fulfilled with warm to hot water. <ref>S"A OC 260:1; Biur Halacha 260 s.v. “Bechamin” and "Lechof Harosh". But see Devar Chevron 2:229 </ref>
# The order of what to wash first when showering is as follows: head, face, chest, right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg.<ref>Shabbat 61a; Mishna Berura 2:7, 260:1; Be'er Moshe 3:1; Ben Ish Chai (Vayishlach 17), [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The Ta’amei Haminhagim 249 writes that this pre-Shabbat wash is known in kabbalistic circles to assist in removing sins from one’s soul. </ref>
===Brushing one's hair===
# One should brush one's hair nicely in honor of Shabbat. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:12, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). See also Yosef Ometz 565 </ref>
===Cutting one's nails===
# One should arrange for one's hair and nails to be cut on Erev Shabbat. <ref> S"A 260:1 </ref>
# See also the [[Cutting one's nails|Laws of cutting one's nails]].
===Going to Mikvah===
# It is also meritorious to immerse in a mikva, if possible. <ref>[http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Mekor Chaim (Chavot Ya'ir) 260</ref>


==Getting dressed for Shabbat==
==Cutting one's Nails==
# One is required to inspect one's Shabbat clothes before the onset of Shabbat to ensure that there is nothing muktza in the pockets. This is especially crucial for one who lives in a place without an Eruv in which case it is forbidden to go outside on Shabbat with anything at all in one's pockets. <ref> S"A OC 252:7; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:23; Aruch Hashulchan, S"A OC 252:18, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# One should arrange for one's hair and nails to be cut on Erev [[Shabbat]].<ref> Shulchan Aruch 260:1 </ref> See also the [[Cutting one's nails|Laws of cutting one's nails]].
# One should don one's Shabbat clothes late Friday afternoon in honor of Shabbat.<ref>S"A OC 262:2 and 3, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# Some people don't cut their nails on Friday if it is Rosh Chodesh.<ref>Mishna Brurah 260:7 based on Tzavat Rabbi Yehuda Hachasid</ref>
# One should wear these clothes until at least after Havdalla on Saturday night.<ref> Mishna Berura 262:8, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)</ref>
==Going to Mikvah==
# It is also meritorious for men to immerse in a [[Mikvaot|mikvah]] on Friday, if possible.<ref>[http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Mekor Chaim (Chavot Ya'ir) 260</ref>


==Getting Dressed for Shabbat==
# One is required to inspect one's [[Shabbat]] clothes before the onset of [[Shabbat|''Shabbat'']] to ensure that there is nothing [[Muktzeh|''muktzeh'']] in the pockets. This is especially crucial for one who lives in a place without an Eruv in which case it is forbidden to go outside on [[Shabbat]] with anything at all in one's pockets.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 252:7; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:23; Aruch Hashulchan, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 252:18, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# One should don one's [[Shabbat]] clothes late Friday afternoon in honor of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 262:2 and 3, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# One should wear these clothes until at least after [[Havdalah]] on Saturday night.<ref> Mishna Brurah 262:8, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)</ref>
==Setting the Table for Friday Night==
# The table should ideally be set before the husband returns from shul.<ref> Shulchan Aruch 262:1. The gemara [[Shabbat]] 119b quoted by Tur 249 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:7 writes that two angels walk a person home from shul one bad and one good. If the table is set, the good angel says it should be like this the next week and the bad angel answers [[amen]]. If the table is not set then the bad angel says it should be like this next week and the good angel answer [[amen]]. </ref> Some great Rabbis have the practice to honor [[Shabbat]] by ensuring that the [[Shabbat]] table is set early in the day and some even set it on Thursday nights.<ref>[http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
==Traveling on Friday==
==Traveling on Friday==
# One should avoid all unnecessary travel on Erev Shabbat especially if it means travelling out of town. <ref>S"A OC 249:1, Yabia Omer, OC 2:14:6, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# One should avoid all unnecessary travel on Erev [[Shabbat]] especially if it means travelling out of town.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 249:1, Yabia Omer, OC 2:14:6, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# If one plans on being a guest at someone’s home over Shabbat, one must be sure to arrive early enough on Friday to ensure that one's hosts will be able to properly prepare for one's Shabbat needs. <ref>Mishna Brurah 249:7, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# If one plans on being a guest at someone’s home over [[Shabbat]], one must be sure to arrive early enough on Friday to ensure that one's hosts will be able to properly prepare for one's [[Shabbat]] needs.<ref>Mishna Brurah 249:7, [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html Amot Shel Halacha] (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) </ref>
# For the topic of boarding a boarding a boat on Friday see [[Taking a cruise over Shabbat]].
# For the topic of boarding a boarding a boat on Friday see [[Taking a cruise over Shabbat]].
# For the topic of boarding an airplane on Friday see [[Transportation_on_Shabbat#Airplane]].
# For the topic of boarding an airplane on Friday see [[Transportation_on_Shabbat#Airplane]].
==Other Customs of Preparing for Shabbat==
# Everyone should be careful not to get angry while preparing for ''Shabbat'' especially about the lights and food.<Ref>Machzor Vitri 191</ref>
# Friday is a day for ''[[Repentance|Teshuva]]'' (repentance) since ''Shabbat'' affords a person atonement for one’s sins if he protects it properly.<ref>Mishna Brurah 250:3, Kaf Hachaim 250:11</ref>
# It is a nice practice to buy for ''Shabbat'' a fruit which ''Israel'' is compared to, such as a date, nut, or apple.<ref>Kaf Hachaim 250:15</ref>
# There is a kabbalistic practice to get two sets of three ''hadasim'' (myrtle branches) for the ''Shabbat'' table.<ref>Kaf Hachaim 250:14</ref>
==Credits==
==Credits==
# Special thanks to Rabbi Ari Enkin author of the Amot Shel Halacha series for his contribution to this article. If you would like to purchase his books please [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html click here].
# Special thanks to Rabbi Ari Enkin author of the [[Amot]] Shel Halacha series for his contribution to this article. If you would like to purchase his books please [http://www.eichlers.com/Product/Books/Halachah_-_Jewish_Law/General_Issues/Amot-Shel-Halacha---Halachic-Insights---The-Dalet-Amot-Halacha-Series:-1-_H028-3.html click here].


==References==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Shabbat]]
{{Shabbat Table}}

Latest revision as of 17:43, 12 August 2024

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Friday on a Jewish calendar

There is an entire array of laws and customs on how to maximize our Fridays in preparation for Shabbat. Even one who has servants at his disposal is obligated to personally tend to at least some of the Shabbat preparations himself. [1]

Obligation

  1. This mitzvah of preparing for Shabbat applies to everyone.[2] Even an important person should prepare for Shabbat and not consider it degrading because in fact it is an honor to honor Shabbat.[3]
  2. Work should be minimized on Fridays in order to allow for plenty of time to properly prepare for Shabbat.[4]
  3. It is the husband's job to ensure that the Shabbat candles are in place and ready for lighting each week.[5]
  4. Even if one had many helpers or family members preparing for Shabbat one should make an effort to personally be involved in preparing for Shabbat.[6]
  5. One should endeavor to purchase flowers in honor of Shabbat.[7]
  6. A person should try to review his deeds from the past week and resolve to correct his mistakes on Fridays.[8]
  7. Even if it means minimizing one's amount of Torah learning on Friday, one should still personally be involved in preparing for Shabbat.[9]

Buying Food for Shabbat

  1. The amount of money one receives from Hashem for the year does not include the money that he spends for Shabbat. [10] Although one shouldn't force himself to borrow money to buy extra Shabbat foods, one should spend according to his wealth and whoever adds is praiseworthy. [11]
  2. One should begin one's Shabbat preparations as early as possible on Friday. [12]
  3. One should make sure to buy one's food for Shabbat on Friday and not before [13] One shouldn't even buy the food on Thursday night. [14] However, if there's a fear that one won't be able to buy one's food on Friday or that the food will not be ready in time if bought on Friday, then one may do so on Thursday. [15] On a short friday, one may do his shopping earlier. [16]
  4. One must pray before going to buy one's food for Shabbat and if one regularly learns one should not change one's practice and only buy the food afterwards unless there's a fear that one will loose the opportunity to buy the food in which case one should delay one's learning.[17]
  5. If there's a fear that if one waits until after davening one may loose the opportunity to buy one's food for Shabbat before prayer but one should at least say Shema beforehand. [18]
  6. When buying food for Shabbat, it is praiseworthy to verbally state to oneself that the food is for such purpose. [19]
  7. Indeed, one should endeavor to do something every day of the week in honor of Shabbat, as did Shammai. Whenever Shammai would go shopping and come across a tasty piece of meat, he would purchase it in honor of Shabbat. If later in the week he came across an even more attractive piece of meat, he would eat the first one and save the nicer one in honor of Shabbat. [20]
  8. Even if one has already prepared Friday morning preferably one should prepare just before Shabbat starts. [21]

Baking Challah for Shabbat

  1. The custom is to knead a Shiur Challah of dough when baking Challah on Friday for Shabbat.[22]
  2. Some authorities say that one should not follow the custom to bake shlissel challah (key challah) on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Iyar.[23]

Working on Friday afternoon

  1. One shouldn't begin a a task after mincha on Friday, some say this refers to 6.5 hours into the day, and some say this refers to 9 hours into the day. Any activity which is permitted on Chol HaMoed is permitted on Friday after mincha.[24]

See the Working_on_Friday_Afternoon page for details.

Tasting the food in preparation of Shabbat

  1. It is considered a great a mitzva to taste the Shabbat food every Friday afternoon[25] in order to ensure that it is tasty and fit to be served at the Shabbat meal.[26] It is noted that the custom of tasting the Shabbat foods on Friday afternoons is one which is quite widespread. [27]
  2. Similarly, there are those who suggest that in the event that one knows exactly how the Shabbat foods taste (i.e. the same recipe and results week after week) there is no obligation to do so.[28] Nevertheless, in order to satisfy most opinions one should be sure to taste at least one dish in honor of Shabbat every Friday afternoon.[29]

Tasting Meat on Friday in the Nine Days or a Fast Day

  1. On Friday of Shabbat Chazon, one may taste the food without swallowing and then spit it out.[30] According to Sephardim, if someone always tastes from the food before Shabbat to see if it needs more spices it is permitted to do so even before Shabbat Chazon even though it is in the nine days. One who is strict not to do so will be blessed.[31]
  2. If Asara BeTevet falls out to be on Friday one may taste the food if one spits it out and doesn’t swallow.[32]

Which Foods Should be Tasted?

  1. Some authorities suggest that the mitzva of tasting the Shabbat food pertains specifically to the chulent[33] though most others insist that it applies equally to all the foods which one will be eating throughout Shabbat.[34]

Who Should Taste the Food?

  1. There are a number of authorities who maintain that one is not obligated to taste every single Shabbat dish. It suffices for the lady of the house to taste the food in the course of her cooking to ensure that all the Shabbat foods are tasty.[35]

Eating on Friday

Having a meal on Erev Shabbat

Showering for Shabbat

  1. It is also a big mitzva to shower on Fridays, in honor of Shabbat, preferably late in the day. [36]
  2. The mitzva of showering can only be fulfilled with warm to hot water. [37]
  3. The order of what to wash first when showering is as follows: head, face, chest, right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg.[38]

Laundering One's Clothing

  1. The establishment of Ezra Hasofer was that a person should launder all of his clothing before Shabbat on Thursday each week. The reason it was established for Thursday and not Friday is so that it wouldn't interfere with one's preparations for Shabbat.[39] However, because using modern washing machines it is quick to do the laundry it is permitted to do so on Friday.[40]
  2. The reason it was established to be done on Thursday and not earlier in the week was so that it was evident that the laundry was being done special for Shabbat. With regards to this concept the laundry can be done already from Wednesday since the kedusha of Shabbat begins to set in.[41] Others hold that it can be done even from the beginning of the week.[42]
  3. There is only an establishment to clean one's clothing for Shabbat if they're dirty, however, one's outer garments such as one's suit can certainly be worn multiple times before it is cleaned.[43]

Brushing One's Hair

  1. One should brush one's hair nicely in honor of Shabbat.[44]

Cutting One's Hair

  1. If someone has long hair, it is a mitzvah to cut one's hair on Erev Shabbat in honor of Shabbat.[45]

Cutting one's Nails

  1. One should arrange for one's hair and nails to be cut on Erev Shabbat.[46] See also the Laws of cutting one's nails.
  2. Some people don't cut their nails on Friday if it is Rosh Chodesh.[47]

Going to Mikvah

  1. It is also meritorious for men to immerse in a mikvah on Friday, if possible.[48]

Getting Dressed for Shabbat

  1. One is required to inspect one's Shabbat clothes before the onset of Shabbat to ensure that there is nothing muktzeh in the pockets. This is especially crucial for one who lives in a place without an Eruv in which case it is forbidden to go outside on Shabbat with anything at all in one's pockets.[49]
  2. One should don one's Shabbat clothes late Friday afternoon in honor of Shabbat.[50]
  3. One should wear these clothes until at least after Havdalah on Saturday night.[51]

Setting the Table for Friday Night

  1. The table should ideally be set before the husband returns from shul.[52] Some great Rabbis have the practice to honor Shabbat by ensuring that the Shabbat table is set early in the day and some even set it on Thursday nights.[53]

Traveling on Friday

  1. One should avoid all unnecessary travel on Erev Shabbat especially if it means travelling out of town.[54]
  2. If one plans on being a guest at someone’s home over Shabbat, one must be sure to arrive early enough on Friday to ensure that one's hosts will be able to properly prepare for one's Shabbat needs.[55]
  3. For the topic of boarding a boarding a boat on Friday see Taking a cruise over Shabbat.
  4. For the topic of boarding an airplane on Friday see Transportation_on_Shabbat#Airplane.

Other Customs of Preparing for Shabbat

  1. Everyone should be careful not to get angry while preparing for Shabbat especially about the lights and food.[56]
  2. Friday is a day for Teshuva (repentance) since Shabbat affords a person atonement for one’s sins if he protects it properly.[57]
  3. It is a nice practice to buy for Shabbat a fruit which Israel is compared to, such as a date, nut, or apple.[58]
  4. There is a kabbalistic practice to get two sets of three hadasim (myrtle branches) for the Shabbat table.[59]

Credits

  1. Special thanks to Rabbi Ari Enkin author of the Amot Shel Halacha series for his contribution to this article. If you would like to purchase his books please click here.

Sources

  1. ↑ Rambam Hilchot Shabbat 30:6, Tur Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 250:1, Magen Avraham 250:2, Baer Heitiv 250:2, Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham 250:2, Chayei Adam Shabbat 1:3, Shulchan Aruch Harav 250:4, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:5, Mishna Brurah 250:4, Rivevot Ephraim 1:181, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The gemara Shabbat 119a reports how many amoraim would exert themselves in preparing for shabbat. Orchot Rabbeinu 3: pg. 228 says that the Steipler used to sweep the house in honor of Shabbat
  2. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 250:1, Mishna Brurah 250:3
  3. ↑ Meoros HaShabbos (vol 1, pg 18)
  4. ↑ Mishna Brurah 25:1-4, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Sefer Chassidim 121, 122. See also the Kaf Hachaim 250:5 Shaare Teshuva 250:2, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Lech Lecha 2:4, Machazik Beracha 250:1, Chesed Laalafim 250:1, Tziporen Shamir 9:126, Kaf Hachaim Palachi 27:11 who all write that the sweat one emits while preparing for Shabbat is said to erase one's sins from the Heavenly record.
  5. ↑ Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Kaf Hachaim, OC 250:9.
  6. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 250:1
  7. ↑ Shir Hashirim Rabba 2:9; Vayikra Rabba 23:6; Kaf Hachaim (Palagi) 36:2, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
  8. ↑ Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:15
  9. ↑ Rama 251:2
  10. ↑ Gemara Beitza 16b
  11. ↑ Rambam Shabbat 30:7, Shulchan Aruch 250:2, Aruch Hashulchan 250:4
  12. ↑ Gemara Shabbat 117b, Rosh Shabbat 16:5, Tur and Shulchan Aruch 250:1, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). Mishna Brurah and Aruch Hashulchan 250:1 write that this is to commemorate that the manna fell in the desert early Friday morning.
  13. ↑ Gemara Shabbat 117b writes that a person should get up early on Friday to prepare for Shabbat. This is also the opinion of Shulchan Aruch 250:1. Mishna Brurah 250:2 (based on Magen Avraham 250:1) explains that the reason is that by purchasing food for Shabbat on Friday it's more recognizable that one is preparing for Shabbat than if one were to buy the food on Thursday. So rule Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1), Aruch Hashulchan 250:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:4 and Elya Rabba 250:1.
  14. ↑ Nishmat Shabbat 1:101
  15. ↑ Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham 250:1, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Lech Lecha 2:6, Shaare Teshuva 250:1, Shulchan Aruch Harav 250:7, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:4, Mishna Brurah 250:2, Kaf Hachaim 250:3.
  16. ↑ Ben Ish Chai Parashat Lech Lecha 2:6
  17. ↑ Mishna Brurah 250:1, Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1)
  18. ↑ Mishna Brurah 250:1, Pri Megadim Mishbetzot Zahav 250:1, Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:1)
  19. ↑ Mishna Brurah 250:2, Kaf HaChaim 250:2, Machatzit Hashekel 250:1, Shulchan Aruch Harav 250:6, Chesed La'alafim 250:6
  20. ↑ Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin) quoting Beitza 16a. See also Pesikta Rabati 23.
  21. ↑ Mishna Brurah 250:2, Kaf HaChaim 250:4
  22. ↑ Rama 242:1
  23. ↑ Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org (in first minute) ruled that it's prohibited to bake shlissel challah (key challah) because it's Darkei Emori.
  24. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 251:1, Mishna Brurah 251:5
  25. ↑ Torat Menachem (Rav Menachem Mendel Shneerson, vol 18, pg 104) discusses the importance of this minhag as a symbol for the coming of Mashiach.
  26. ↑ Magen Avraham 250:1 writes that there's a righteous practice to taste the food for Shabbat on Friday in order to know whether it's spiced and tasty. This is quoted by the achronim including Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 2:3), Aruch Hashulchan, OC 250:4; Kaf Hachaim, OC 250:8; Mishna Brurah 250:2; Rivevot Ephraim 2:115:37. Mishna Brurah 250:2 writes that one should taste the Shabbat food on Friday in order to ensure that the is is tasty and fit for Shabbat. There's a number of source of this custom:
    • A hint for this custom can be found in the Shabbat Mussaf prayers which include the words "Those who taste it will merit long life". Although "taste it" in this context refers to Shabbat observance, poetic license allows these words to be interpreted as referring to the Shabbat foods, as well. There are those who take this teaching quite literally and insist that those who taste the Shabbat foods are assured a long life! (Machzor Vitri 181; Shibolei Haleket 82; Beit Yosef, OC 286, Elya Rabba 250:6)
    • Others suggest that the source for this custom derives from a mishna which enigmatically records that "Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai was given from the foods to taste". Some commentators suggest that this is a reference to the Shabbat foods which Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai would taste every Friday afternoon. (Torah Chaim 250:2 based on Mishna Sukka 26b)
    • It is interesting to note that according to the Zohar, the mitzva of tasting the Shabbat food applies on Friday night and not prior to Shabbat, as most are accustomed to. According to this approach, the reason for tasting the food Friday night is to ensure that the daytime Shabbat foods are tasty.(Zohar, Bereishit 48b.) This opinion is puzzling, however, since once Shabbat has begun all further cooking is forbidden. In most cases it is not even permissible to add spices or do anything else to a food which is cooking on the fire. (Amot Shel Halacha by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
    • There is another, somewhat unfamiliar, explanation for the custom of tasting the Shabbat foods, as well. There are those who suggest that the custom derives from an ancient practice to fast every Friday until shortly before the arrival of Shabbat. As fasting on a Friday is generally forbidden, the custom of tasting the Shabbat foods close to the onset of Shabbat was born. In this way, through the requirement to taste the Shabbat foods Friday afternoon, those who were fasting could rest assured that their fast didn’t accidentally extend into Shabbat, which would be forbidden. So too, it ensures that one will not enter Shabbat in a state of discomfort or outright hunger. In fact, in some communities this tasting ritual was known as the "boi kalla" meal. (Aseh Lecha Rav 3:14)
  27. ↑ Mateh Moshe 408. The kabbalists were especially diligent to taste the Shabbat food on Erev Shabbat, comparing it to the exacting preparations one undertakes in order to properly prepare for the arrival of an important guest.(Shulchan Aruch Ha'arizal 260:5; Pri Eitz Chaim, Shaar 18:3; Shaar Hakavanot, Tevilat Erev Shabbat)
  28. ↑ In fact, it might be a greater display of honor to Shabbat not to taste such food beforehand and to rather save the gastronomic pleasure exclusively for Shabbat itself.
  29. ↑ Nimukei Orach Chaim 250
  30. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 42:61
  31. ↑ Yalkut Yosef Moadim (Dinei Yemey Tisha Bav no. 30)
  32. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 42:61
  33. ↑ Yosef Ometz, Minhagei Frankfurt 576
  34. ↑ Magen Avraham, OC 250:1; Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 250:8
  35. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 250:1
  36. ↑ Mishna Brurah 260:1, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The Elya Rabba 262:6 explains that the reason that one should shower later rather than earlier is because we are taught that the pleasure one derives from a shower and being clean is only appreciated an hour or so afterwards. Delaying the shower closer to Shabbat will ensure that one enjoys this pleasure on Shabbat itself.
  37. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 260:1; Beiur Halacha 260 s.v. “Bechamin” and "Lechof Harosh". But see Devar Chevron 2:229
  38. ↑ Shabbat 61a; Mishna Brurah 2:7, 260:1; Be'er Moshe 3:1; Ben Ish Chai (Vayishlach 17), Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). The Ta’amei Haminhagim 249 writes that this pre-Shabbat wash is known in kabbalistic circles to assist in removing sins from one’s soul.
  39. ↑ Gemara Bava Kama 82a, Shulchan Aruch 242:1, Magen Avraham 242:3, Mishna Brurah 242:6
  40. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 42:13 cited by Piskei Teshuvot 242:10. Yalkut Yosef 242:7 writes that it is permitted to do the laundry on Friday but it is proper to do it beforehand. Or Letzion 2:16:1 writes that one shouldn't do it on Friday unless there is an extenuating circumstance.
  41. ↑ Yalkut Yosef 242:7
  42. ↑ Eliya Rabba 242:9
  43. ↑ Or Letzion 2:16:2, Mishna Brurah 242:5
  44. ↑ Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:12, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin). See also Yosef Ometz 565.
  45. ↑ Rama 260:1, Mishna Brurah 260:7
  46. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 260:1
  47. ↑ Mishna Brurah 260:7 based on Tzavat Rabbi Yehuda Hachasid
  48. ↑ Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin), Mekor Chaim (Chavot Ya'ir) 260
  49. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 252:7; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:23; Aruch Hashulchan, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 252:18, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
  50. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 262:2 and 3, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
  51. ↑ Mishna Brurah 262:8, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
  52. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 262:1. The gemara Shabbat 119b quoted by Tur 249 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:7 writes that two angels walk a person home from shul one bad and one good. If the table is set, the good angel says it should be like this the next week and the bad angel answers amen. If the table is not set then the bad angel says it should be like this next week and the good angel answer amen.
  53. ↑ Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
  54. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 249:1, Yabia Omer, OC 2:14:6, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
  55. ↑ Mishna Brurah 249:7, Amot Shel Halacha (by Rabbi Ari Enkin)
  56. ↑ Machzor Vitri 191
  57. ↑ Mishna Brurah 250:3, Kaf Hachaim 250:11
  58. ↑ Kaf Hachaim 250:15
  59. ↑ Kaf Hachaim 250:14
Category Topic
Mitzvot of Shabbat
Kiddush Levana - Enjoying Shabbat - Fourth meal of Shabbat - Havdalah - Having a meal on Friday - In the Spirit of Shabbat - Kiddush - Lighting Shabbat Candles - Making Early Shabbat - Making one hundred Brachot on Shabbat - Preparing foods on Shabbat - Preparing for Shabbat - Shenayim Mikrah - Kavod Shabbat - Shabbos Davening - Seudat Shabbat - Seudat Shelishit - Lechem Mishneh - Motzei Shabbat - When Does Shabbat Start?
Restrictions of Shabbat
Allowing Carrying Using an Eruv Chatzerot - Animals on Shabbat - Asking a Jew to work on Shabbat - Asking a non-Jew to work on Shabbat (Amirah LeNochri) - Benefiting from a Violation of Shabbat (Maaseh Shabbat) - Books, notebooks, and papers - Brushing Teeth on Shabbat - Building a structure on Shabbat (Boneh) - Carrying on Shabbat - Cleaning the dishes - Cleaning and Folding Garments on Shabbat - Clearing the table - Cooking (Ofeh and Bishul) - Cosmetics on Shabbat - Dancing and clapping on Shabbat - Electricity on Shabbat - Eruv Chatzerot - Eruvin - Games on Shabbat - Getting dressed on Shabbat - Giving birth on Shabbat - Grinding (Tochen) - Handling objects on Shabbat (Muktzeh) - Infants on Shabbat - Introduction to the Modern Eruv - Kneading (Lash) - Mail on Shabbat - Medicine on Shabbat (Refuah on Shabbat) - Melacha That Begins Before Shabbat - Opening bottles and containers (Boneh) - Plants on Shabbat (Zoreah) - Preparing for after Shabbat (Hachana) - Reading on Shabbat (Daber Davar) - Recreation on Shabbat - Sechirut Reshut - Separating mixtures (Borer) - Squeezing fruits (Sechita) - Speaking on Shabbat (Daber Davar) - Taking a cruise over Shabbat - Taking measurements on Shabbat - Techum - Transactions on Shabbat - Transportation on Shabbat - Going to and Staying in the Hospital on Shabbat - Wages on Shabbat (Sachar Shabbat) - Washing one’s body on Shabbat
Melachos
Introduction to Melechet Machshevet - Marbeh Bshiurim - Plowing - Planting - Harvesting - Gathering - Threshing - Winnowing - Separating - Grinding - Sifting - Kneading - Baking and Cooking - Shearing - Laundering - Combing - Dyeing - Spinning - Mounting warp threads - Making two loops - Weaving - Unraveling fabric - Tying - Untying - Gluing, taping, or stapling - Ripping - Trapping - Slaughtering - Skinning - Tanning - Smoothing - Scoring - Cutting precisely - Writing - Erasing - Building - Demolishing - Completing a vessel - Extinguishing a flame - Kindling a fire - Carrying
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