Made in the Twilight Zone
$75.00
“If not for the last minute, nothing would get done.”
The Mishna (Avot 5:6) lists a number of unique items created on that first Friday during Bein Ha-Shmashos (the twilight hour between shkia and tzeis hakochavim).
If our Shabbos observance — characterized by abstaining from creative labor — is to be a reflection of Hashem’s abstention from creation, why must we not engage in creative labor during Bein Ha-Shmashos?
Some fascinating perspectives culled from the Midrash, Kabalah and Chassidus.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Research Paper |
| Pages | 26 |
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The yearly schedule for completing the reading of the Torah, the ensuing celebration and unique liturgy read on this occasion, the custom of dancing and circling the Bima seven times, other celebratory expressions such as marching with candles, torches and much more.
Also includes a collection of anecdotes regarding the importance of experiencing joy during this event.
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The water used to bake Matzah must be mayim shelanu—water that had been drawn in the evening and left to cool overnight. What is the halachic background for this requirement?
Shabbos and Yom Tov are both so precious to the Jewish people that many Jews welcome them in early. How does this fit in with the prohibition of adding to a Mitzvah? What is the source of this practice? Study all the opinions and Halachic ramifications.
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Have you set up “Hey Siri!” on your iPhone yet? How about the Amazon Echo to obediently adjust your thermostat, turn on your lights and play your favorite music – all by the sound of your voice?
During the week this might be great, but what about on Shabbos? Do the laws proscribing creative activity extend to actions that result from our verbal expression? What if some technology was devised to act upon your thoughts?
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Inviting non-Shomrei Shabbat to attend Shul or meals at your
home is often also an invitation for them to drive on Shabbat. What are the
laws of this overlooked yet critical issue? Do the ends ever justify the means?
How can we balance our love for our fellow with our love for halacha?
The mandate to rest on Shabbos also precludes having work done for us by gentiles, under specific conditions.
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Further restricting an already slimmed down Pesach diet is not something anybody would eagerly embrace. But the Jews of medieval Ashkenazic communities adopted the stringency of avoiding the consumption of legumes throughout the duration of Pesach. The question is, why? How was this ban treated for the centuries that have since passed? Was it adhered to equally in times of prosperity and adversity?
Shabbos is a day of physical delight and spiritual rejuvenation. Each of the Shabbos meals is designed with taste and splendor, which elevates the simple act of eating to being a Heavenly experience.
Of what mystical significance are the three halachically-mandated meals on Shabbos? How does Jewish mysticism transform our appreciation for the Shabbos in general, and our perception of the third Shabbos meal in particular?
בירור מקיף על מצות שופר ומשמעותם הפנימית של סוגי הקולות וסידורם לאור החסידות.
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This item features a summary
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One of the the central themes of Chanukah is Pirsumei Nisa, the public display and celebration of the holiday. Around the world, Menorah’s are kindled in Malls, at City Halls and all sorts of public places. May one recite the traditional blessing over the Chaukah lights if they are being lit in the city square and not in the privacy of one’s home or Shul?