Friday Lights
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Shabbat candles are perhaps one of the most evocative images of Jewish life. What is the source for this practice? Where, and how many, Shabbat candles are lit?
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Research Paper |
| Pages | 4 |
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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 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?
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?
Related: “An Uplifting Shabbos” and “Motion-Triggered Sensors”
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?
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?
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 Blowing of the Shofar: Reasons and Significance
Up, down, left, right, the lulav nanuim are a bewildering sight. This paper delves into the mysticism behind the historically venerated mitzvah of shaking lulav and esrog. What are its origins? What does it represent? How is it relevant today?
בירור מקיף על מצות שופר ומשמעותם הפנימית של סוגי הקולות וסידורם לאור החסידות.
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?
Brushing teeth triggers various halachic concerns about the violation of Shabbat. This paper deconstructs the practices of oral hygiene to examine if there are issues of chovel, schita, uvdin d’chol and memareach.
“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.