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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 an article 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> | This is not an article on how to properly observe [[Shabbat]]. Rather, it is an article 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> | ||
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# 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 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> | # 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> | # 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> | # 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> | # 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> | # 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> | # 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== | ==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>S"A 251:1, Mishna Brurah 251:5</ref> | # 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>S"A 251:1, Mishna Brurah 251:5</ref> | ||
==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>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: | ||
* 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> | ||
# On Friday of [[Shabbat Chazon]], one shouldn’t taste the food. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 42:61 </ref> | # On Friday of [[Shabbat Chazon]], one shouldn’t taste the food. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 42:61 </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> | # 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?== | ==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> | # 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?== | ==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> | # 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== | ||
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==Brit Milah or Pidyon HaBen on Friday== | ==Brit Milah or Pidyon HaBen on Friday== | ||
# 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> | # 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> | ||
==Wedding on Friday== | ==Wedding on Friday== | ||
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# 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]]. | ||
==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]. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
