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Nothing, other than the existence of G-d, is more central to Judaism. In fact, the Torah makes clear that observance of Shabbat is the ultimate recognition of G-d's creation of Heaven and Earth. This is no minor matter, since, until the twentieth...
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It's now time to light candles. The Talmud simply says that their purpose is "Shalom Bayit" (Peace in the Home). In an era before artificial lighting, eating a festive dinner would need to be in the dark. The candles would provide an aura of a...
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It's now time to light candles. The Talmud simply says that their purpose is "Shalom Bayit" (Peace in the Home). In an era before artificial lighting, eating a festive dinner would need to be in the dark. The candles would provide an aura of a...
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Well before sundown, the men go to the synagogue. The afternoon service is recited, essentially identical to any weekday afternoon service (Minhah), except for the omission of the supplications for forgiveness of sin, recited in most communities...
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With Kabbalat Shabbat completed, we are ready for the Evening prayer (Arvit, or Maariv). There is a long standing difference of opinion whether it is better to wait for the evening prayer until it is actually dark, or whether it is meant to be...
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The men walk home from synagogue, but they are not alone. According to Talmudic tradition, two angels follow a man home on Friday night; a good angel and a bad angel.When he gets home, if the house is ready for Shabbat; the candles lit, the table...
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We left off last time with the fact that, if you are using the right prayer book, the Friday night Kiddush has exactly 70 words. This is reflective of a fundamental concept in Kabbalah; the mystery of Nogah. According to the Kabbalah, there exists...
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I have found that the concept of the Shabbat meals, is one of the hardest for people to understand. Yes, they are celebratory. Yes, they are commemorative. Yes, they are an opportunity for the family to sit together and reconnect. But the Shabbat...
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There are no laws, or even universal customs, concerning what should be present at a Shabbat meal. We are commanded to simply eat that which we enjoy, in order to "call the Shabbat a delight" (Isaiah 58:13). An ALMOST universal practice is to...
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The Friday night meal is over, the kids have been put to bed. This night is also known as "Mitzvah Night". The physical union of husband and wife, although mentioned in RAMBAM as being part of the command of "Oneg": Delight in Shabbat, is seen by...
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