157 Lessons
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Paying a Babysitter for Work on Shabbat
We need a babysitter for a few hours on Shabbat. Is there a problem paying her for Shabbat work?
Ein Aya Shabbat that Elevates Not Just the Secular but Even the Foreign
Ein Aya Shabbat 4, 8
It's common knowledge that Shabbat elevates the secular to be holy, but Rav Kook writes that the ideal Shabbat will elevate even concepts which are foreign to Judaism.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Responsive Baby Bassinet
There is a special bassinet that provides motion and soothing noise and reacts to an infant’s crying by intensifying them. Is it permitted to use this bassinet on Shabbat, and if so, are there special instructions?
The spiritual view A Deeper Take on Shabbat: Why is This Allowed & That Prohibited?
Ein Aya Shabbat 4, 4
This important lecture helps answer the classic question we all ask: Why are certain things allowed on Shabbat and others forbidden? Rav Kook, based on Kabbalistic sources, explains that the 6 days of creation and the Mishkan- the 2 classic "constrictions" (Tzimtzum) of God, are the anti-thesis of Shabbat. Accordingly only and precisely those 39 types of labor which were done to construct the mishkan correspond to the 6 days of creation, from which we want to rise above on Shabbat, to get a taste of the original Shabbat which preceded creation, and the final Shabbat, when all of creation will be like Shabbat. This basic and beautiful idea is clarified here in a very understandable way
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions An Agent Showing a House on Shabbat
A congregant of mine is trying to sell his house. His non-Jewish real estate agent suggested doing an open house on Shabbat, a good time for many buyers. If the owner goes away for Shabbat, may he do that?
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Shabbat Meal for Shema/Sefira
When we make early Shabbat, is it better, when nighttime falls, to recite Kri’at Shema and sefirat ha’omer during the meal or to wait until after the meal?
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Disposing of Tea Light Leftovers
I read that one should not throw directly into the garbage mitzva-related objects. Should I wrap in plastic the leftover shell and wax residue from “tea light” Shabbat candles?
The spiritual view Do You Hate Shabbat?
Is your Shabbat an out-of-this-world spiritual experience? Here's how to make it one.
