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?

“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.

The shofar is an ancient musical instrument used to call the Jewish people together. It was blown to announce the new month, before the commencement of battle, and other occasions. It is still used on Rosh Hashanah and the closing of Yom Kippur to call the people to repentance. When was the shofar used for the first time?

This paper features a curricular overview of the mitzvah of experiencing Oneg Shabbos.

The uncertain ownership that yeshivah students have of their dormitory rooms creates chaos when it comes to Pesach preparations. This paper clears the confusion. Must they do bedikas chametz?  If yes, with or without a brachah? And do they also need to sell the chametz?

Given that both Haman and ‘the Manna’ are spelled the same,
is there any deeper connection between the two?
Legend of a Cookie – The Purim cookie. Three corners, folded to swathe a filling. Supposedly it is named after the wicked Haman from the Purim story. How is this cookie reminiscent of the wicked Haman? (Sources)

One of our most festive Holidays, an all-out celebration of the Torah, has neither Scriptural nor Talmudic basis.
These sources trace the development of this custom as well as many others related to Simchas Torah:
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.
(Hebrew)

The mandate to rest on Shabbos also precludes having work done for us by gentiles, under specific conditions.

May one send Priority, Express or 2nd Day Mail on Friday? What about ordering through Amazon Prime?

What may one say (or dictate) when scheduling shipping without violating Shabbos by proxy?