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Until now, I have mostly discussed the spiritual aspects of Shabbat. But there are also many halachic aspects, that form the framework upon which the spirituality if Shabbat is built. It is easy to lose the forest for the trees. Our job is to be...
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Before going into the ins and outs of using hot water on Shabbat, I believe a few words on the entire Ashkenazi-Sepharadi conundrum are in order. As you have undoubtedly noticed, usually the Ashkenazim are very strict, with the Sepharadim taking a...
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There are many "outs" in the laws of Shabbat. They need to be examined based on sources, as well as judged for their advisability in "real life". First allow me to reiterate a basic principle in regard to "emergency" situations. When danger to...
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What happens when we turn on the hot water in the sink or bathtub? Water that has been automatically heated in the boiler comes out from the faucet. Usually, we have it mixed with cold water, in order to arrive at the desired temperature. Might we...
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We are now off to shul. Orthodox services are very similar in structure between one group and another. They consist of morning blessings, thanking G-d for the fundamentals of life (ability to see, move about, etc.) In some communities, these are...
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Anyone who studies the laws of Shabbat, is usually mystified by the complexity of everything involved with cooking. But what is complex is not actually the halachah, but the numerous svarot (theoretical constructs) of some later rabbis, as well as...
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We have discussed the major methods of warming food on Shabbat, in accordance with Sepharadic and Yemenite traditions. How, and why, do the Ashkenazim differ? Primarily, it is over concerns of somehow causing some traces of food to actually cook...
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We come home. The food is ready to be served. Kiddush over wine or hard liquor is recited. If kiddush was recited in synagogue, most will forgo saying it again, while others will say it (I do), a practice stemming from a careful reading of the...
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The Talmud urges a nap on Shabbat afternoon, as a way of adding further delight to this day of delights. This is not a law, and many choose instead to study Torah, or to go visiting neighbors and friends. In Israel, where there is a six day work...
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The evening service of Saturday night is recited with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the day of joy and delight is over. On the other, a new week is beginning, blessed by the Shabbat that preceded it. There is both a feeling of dread, as well as...
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