In this classic series Rav Berkovits reads out the Shulchan Aruch and Rama and traces the topic back to its original sources in the Gemora and Rishonim. He then, with crystal clarity, brings the principle(s) forward to explain how the later Acharonim, the Mishna Brura and modern day poskim apply it to the current generation.
Can you leave the dryer running as Shabbos enters? Are there problems besides the light that goes on when opening the door of the fridge? Rav Berkovits has compiled scores of little-known Shabbos halachos that most people won't chance upon without spending serious time studying the intricate laws of Shabbos.
In a rousing appeal for us to infuse more holiness into the Shabbos day, Rabbi Blumenkrantz urges us with stories, examples and creative ideas to put a little more effort into this special day, and explains how doing so keeps our world turning on its destined course.
Imagine if all the pleasure that all human beings ever had from the beginning of time was compressed into one intense moment! WoW! Shabbat gives a taste of that ecstasy. So why don't we feel it? Hear the frame of mind and preparation necessary for a tiny taste, plus hear a beautiful synopsis of the depth and splendor of this holy day.
All men have a few burning questions here. Why do women have a monopoly on this mitzvah, and is there a small portion of this mitzvah that also applies to them? How and where should a husband light when he stays in a hotel on a business trip? We also learn where and when to light on college campuses and in dorm rooms. Hear how various halachic authorities trace the Sephardic Minhagim back to the Shulchan Aruch.
In this rich segment the Ben Ish Chai explains which types of oils are acceptable, and the laws of moving the lit candles. Rabbi Levy seizes an opportunity here to educate us on some practical Halachot including the use of electric lights as a replacement for candles, and how Rav Yoseph Karo learned out the Halacha, as well as insight on the value of performing this mitzvah before Hashem.
Candlelight might be acceptable light for eating dinner but am I also permitted to read by this light? Hear additional insight on how our hachamim decided these Halachot and where they apply to modern day circumstances. In his finale to this series, Rabbi Levy shares some fascinating insights about Shabbat from Rabbi Chaim Phalagi.
Yom Kippur comes once a year to cleanse the slate of aveiros between you and Hashem. Would you like to have those sins forgiven without all the Yom Kippur trials and tribulations - on a regular basis? Rabbi Orlowek shows how listening intently to kiddush on Friday night has a similar power to whiten your spiritual 'garments.' Hear about the sweet rejuvenating power of Shabbos.
The Rabbi’s say that if we aren't yearning for Shabbos, we are not yearning for the return of the Beis Hamikdash either. And just as the Beis Hamikdash serves as a channel to feel Hashem's oneness and forgiveness, so too by Shabbos.
A generation that has a hard time relaxing will sadly have a hard time relating to the Shabbos day. Rebbetzin Weinberg lists 19 reasons people just can't relate to this day of rest. Hear a beautiful description of the seven day cycle that the world turns on, and how all the mental blocks people have toward this time can vanish into thin air by better appreciating the peace this holy day has to offer.