Podcasts about melacha

R' Hershel Shachter: Waymos, Smart Homes, and the Boundaries of Melacha by Congregation Beth Jacob

Kollel Iyun Halacha. Shuirim are held Sun-Thurs at 11 Gudz Road Lakewood NJ. For more info email: kih185miller@gmail.com

Kollel Iyun Halacha. Shuirim are held Sun-Thurs at 11 Gudz Road Lakewood NJ. For more info email: kih185miller@gmail.com

Kollel Iyun Halacha. Shuirim are held Sun-Thurs at 11 Gudz Road Lakewood NJ. For more info email: kih185miller@gmail.com

Kollel Iyun Halacha. Shuirim are held Sun-Thurs at 11 Gudz Road Lakewood NJ. For more info email: kih185miller@gmail.com

3 answers explaining the extent of the restriction of doing melacha on Purim and the allowance for Rebbi to plant a tree

What Is Melacha?

Hashem commands in Parashat Ki-Tisa, "Ach Et Shabetotai Tishmoru" – "However, you shall observe my Shabbatot" (31:13). Rashi explains that after Hashem presented the commands regarding the construction of the Mishkan, He emphasized that the work on the Mishkan must be discontinued on Shabbat. The question arises, however, as to why Hashem here commands observing "Shabetotai" – His "Shabbatot." Instead of simply telling us to observe "Shabbat," He uses the plural form, referring to Shabbat as "Shabbatot." Why? A fascinating explanation is offered by the Ha'ketab Ve'ha'kabbala (Rav Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenberg, 1785-1865). He writes that etymologically, the word "Shabbat" has two meanings. First, it denotes "Shebita" – cessation from work. Additionally, the word "Shabbat" refers to "Yishub Ha'da'at" – peace of mind, and clarity. Ha'ketab Ve'ha'kabbala explains that we are commanded to "observe Shabbat" in two senses: by refraining from Melacha (forbidden activity), and by attaining "Yishub Ha'da'at" by experiencing he special Kedusha of Shabbat. The first Shabbat is intended to bring us to the second; we are to refrain from forbidden work for the purpose of reprogramming our minds, resetting our priorities, and refreshing our perspective on life. Throughout the week, we are busy tending to our needs, occupied with our careers, our businesses, and all the many other important things that we need to deal with. With all the frenzy of the workweek, we can so easily forget what this is all about, what the purpose of all this is. On Shabbat, there is an obligation of "Shebita" – to desist from Melacha – so that we can achieve "Yishub Ha'da'at," peace of mind, a clearer perspective on what life is all about, what our priorities ought to be. We spend more time in the synagogue, more time with our families, more time singing Pizmonim and learning Torah, so we can refresh our minds and remind ourselves of what's truly important. On this basis, Ha'ketab Ve'ha'kabbala suggests a novel reading of the Gemara's famous teaching (Shabbat 118b) that if the Jewish People would properly observe "Sheteh Shabbatot" – two Shabbatot – we would be worthy of redemption. This is commonly understood to mean that we would be redeemed if we all observe Shabbat for two weeks. Ha'ketab Ve'ha'kabbala, however, offers a different interpretation, explaining that the Gemara speaks of the two different dimensions of Shabbat observance. We become worthy of redemption if we not only refrain from the forbidden activities on Shabbat, but also experience the weekly "reset," gaining a new perspective on life by redirecting our focus onto spirituality and the service of Hashem. This concept might also shed light on a different teaching in the Gemara – that whoever enjoys delights on Shabbat, "the desires of his hearts are granted to him." At first glance, this means that by enjoying fine foods and delicacies on Shabbat, one guarantees that all his wishes are fulfilled. We might, however, understand this passage differently. If we observe Shabbat properly, then "Notenin Lo Mish'alot Libo" – he is given new wishes, new desires. Proper observance of Shabbat gives us a new perspective, and resets our priorities. Thus, if during the week our primary aspirations were about wealth and material luxuries, on Shabbat our aspirations are spiritual. Shabbat refreshes our perspective such that our primary goals are a greater connection with Hashem, more Torah knowledge, more Misvot, more religious engagement. The ultimate purpose of Shabbat is not the cessation of work itself – but rather the renewed perspective that this brings, which leads us to reset our priorities and redirect our focus onto that which really matters.

Kollel Iyun Halacha. Shuirim are held Sun-Thurs at 11 Gudz Road Lakewood NJ. For more info email: kih185miller@gmail.com

This episode continues the laws of Shabbos focusing on returning stuffing to cushions and pillows, clarifying when repair is permitted and when creating something new is forbidden. We then explore the prohibition of gathering items on Shabbos, including evaporated salt and agricultural produce, and define when “gathering” constitutes a biblical violation versus a rabbinic concern. Practical examples include fruit in the home versus the field, minimal liability measures, and classic cases such as pressing figs together. The discussion concludes with a note on separating foods from mixtures and how this relates to the laws of separation, setting the stage for upcoming episodes.

Kollel Iyun Halacha. Shuirim are held Sun-Thurs at 11 Gudz Road Lakewood NJ. For more info email: kih185miller@gmail.com

Kollel Iyun Halacha. Shuirim are held Sun-Thurs at 11 Gudz Road Lakewood NJ. For more info email: kih185miller@gmail.com

This episode explores the halachos of caring for the dangerously ill on Shabbos. We learn why it is not only permitted but praiseworthy to act with urgency to save a life, even if unintended melachos are performed. Practical cases include rescuing children in danger, breaking doors, and feeding the sick when kosher food is unavailable. The Mishnah Berurah clarifies whether slaughtering an animal or giving non-kosher food is preferable, and how a patient's refusal to eat can affect halachic decisions. We also examine cooking wine with the help of a non-Jew, the principle of minimizing melacha (such as choosing the smaller cluster of figs), and why extra work beyond what is required should be avoided.ShabbosHilchos ShabbosPikuach NefeshDangerously Ill on ShabbosSaving a LifeMishnah BerurahShulchan AruchRefuah on ShabbosNon-Kosher Food for the SickShabbos and MedicineUrgency in Saving Lives

We often think of Chol Hamoed restrictions as revolving around melacha—but there's a separate prohibition against earning money, even when no technical melacha is involved. In this episode, we explore why that is. The answer lies in the Torah's description of the moed as a mikra kodesh — a time meant to be elevated, protected from weekday distractions. We'll examine how Chazal used this principle to build a framework that preserves the unique atmosphere of the days, and why even a perfectly permissible task becomes problematic when it becomes a paid job.

What consistencies of skincare or haircare products—oils, creams, etc.—are permissible to apply on Shabbat? Click here for the transcript and sources: https://www.deracheha.org/cosmetics-on-shabbat-1-types-of-product/ To dedicate an episode of Kol Deracheha email us at deracheha@gmail.com 

The day immediately following Pesach, Shavuot or Sukkot is referred to as "Isru Chag" and is observed as a quasi-festival. Some people make a point of wearing their Shabbat clothing and conducting a special festive meal on Isru Chag. Rabbi Chayim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868), in his work Mo'ed Le'kol Chai (8:43), writes that Isru Chag Shavuot is a particularly significant day, more so than Isru Chag Pesach and Sukkot, and must therefore be observed with special festivity. He goes so far as to assert that Isru Chag Shavuot is of such importance that in principle it should warrant "Issur Melacha" – a prohibition against work similar to Shabbat and Yom Tov. In practice, of course, Halacha permits Melacha on Isru Chag Shavuot, but it nevertheless should be observed as a festive day, even more so than Isru Chag of the other festivals. There is a debate among the authorities as to when we resume the recitation of Tachanun during Sivan. We of course omit Tachanun on the first of Sivan, in honor of Rosh Chodesh, as well as on the second day of Sivan, which is when God declared that we will become "a kingdom of Kohanim and a sacred nation" (Shemot 19:6). The next three days – the third, fourth and fifth of Sivan – are known as the "Yemei Hagbala," the days of preparation for the giving of the Torah, a festive period in which we omit Tachanun. We do not recite Tachanun on Shavuot – the sixth and seventh of Sivan – or on Isru Chag Shavuot, the eighth of Sivan. During the times of the Mikdash, those who were unable to bring their sacrifices on the day of Shavuot itself – which in Israel is celebrated only on the sixth of Sivan - were allowed to do so during the six days following Shavuot, through the twelfth of Sivan. In commemoration, we omit Tachanun during this period, as well. According to some authorities, however, since in the Diaspora Shavuot is observed on both the sixth and seventh of Sivan, we begin the six-day period on the eighth of Sivan, rather than the seventh, and thus Tachanun is omitted on the thirteenth, as well. For the Syrian Jewish community, this debate bears no practice relevance, as Syrian Jews in any event observe the thirteenth of Sivan as a quasi-festival to celebrate the "Musan" miracle when the Jews of Halab were saved from a planned pogrom. Syrian communities therefore omit Tachanun on the thirteenth of Sivan regardless of the aforementioned debate. Many other communities, however, have the practice to resume the recitation of Tachanun on the thirteenth of Sivan. Later in this chapter in Mo'ed Le'kol Chai (Halacha 48), Rav Chayim Palachi writes that on the fifteenth of Sivan, it is proper for the Chazan to read aloud after the morning service Yaakov's blessing to Yehuda (Bereishit 49:8-12) and Parashat Ve'zot Ha'beracha. Reading these sections on this day, he writes, has the capacity to hasten the arrival of the final redemption. Summary: Isru Chag Shavuot (the day following Shavuot) must be observed as a festive day, even more so that the day following other festivals. Tachanun is omitted from Rosh Chodesh Sivan through the twelfth or thirteenth of Sivan, depending on communal custom. It is proper on the fifteenth of Sivan for the Chazan to read after the morning prayer Yaakov's blessing to Yehuda and Parashat Ve'zot Ha'beracha.

There is a widely-accepted, time-honored custom to light candle in memory of a loved one, or of a Sadik, during the Shiba mourning period, and each year on the Yahrtzeit. Although this practice is not mentioned explicitly anywhere in the Talmud, it might be alluded to in two places. First, the Gemara relates that before Rebbi (Rabbi Yehuda Ha'nasi) passed away, he gave his sons a number of instructions, one of which was that there should be a candle lit by his place. Rashi explains that Rebbi's soul returned to his home every Friday night to be with his wife, ad so he asked that there would be a candle lit by his place in honor of Shabbat. But the Yabetz (Rav Yaakob Emden, Germany, 1697-1776) suggests that this might be a basis for the custom to light a candle in honor of one's deceased parent, as Rebbi's instruction could be understood to mean that he wanted his children to light a candle in his honor. Another possible source is the Gemara's discussion in Masechet Berachot (53) of the Beracha "Boreh Me'oreh Ha'esh" recited over a flame on Mosa'eh Shabbat. The Gemara states that this Beracha may be recited only over a candle that was lit for illumination purposes, as opposed to "Ner Shel Metim" – "the candle of the deceased" – which is lit in honor of the deceased, and not for illumination. This would certainly indicate that there was a practice to light candles in honor of the deceased. However, this might refer only to candles lit around the deceased before burial, as opposed to our practice to light candles during Shiba and on the Yahrtzeit. In the writings of the Rishonim, we find mention of this concept in the Kolbo (by Rav Yehonatan of Lunel, Provence, late 13th-early 14th century), in the section discussing the laws of Yom Kippur. He writes that it is customary to light candles on Ereb Yom Kippur in memory of one's deceased parents. This custom is brought by the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Cracow, 1530-1572) in his glosses to the Shulhan Aruch. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) writes that even the deceased are, in a sense, judged on Yom Kippur, and so we light candles in their memory as a source of merit for them. What's the explanation of this practice? How does lighting a candle benefit the soul of the deceased? One explanation is that lighting a candle in itself brings no benefit to the deceased, but when candles are lit in the synagogue, this fulfills a Misva which brings merit to the deceased's soul. Generations ago, candles were needed for illumination, and so lighting candles in the synagogue was a very important Misva. Indeed, it was customary years ago for people to donate oil for the lights in the synagogue in merit of a deceased parent. More generally, lighting candles enhances the atmosphere of the synagogue, and this, too, constitutes a Misva which brings merit to the deceased. (Interestingly, one contemporary work suggested that it would be appropriate to donate towards the synagogue's electric bill as a merit for the deceased, just as years ago people would donate oil for the lights.) According to this explanation, the value of lighting candles is only when it is done for a Misva, meaning, when the candles are lit in the synagogue. However, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Torah Li'shmah, writes that the lighting itself brings comfort and joy to the soul of the deceased. He explains that a soul is like a candle, and similar entities are attracted to one another. Therefore, when a candle is lit at a place where the soul is present, the soul experiences some degree of enjoyment. However, the Ben Ish Hai emphasizes that this is relevant only in the place where the soul is present – namely, in the deceased's home during the Shiba period, or at the grave. According to the Ben Ish Hai, then, there is no purpose to light a candle in memory of the deceased in his or her home after the Shiba, or even during the Shiba if the mourning is observed somewhere other than the deceased's home. Regardless, the Poskim accorded great importance to this custom. It is mentioned in the major works on mourning (Gesher Ha'haim, Ma'abar Yabok). In fact, the Mishna Berura (261) writes that during the period of Ben Ha'shemashot after sundown on Friday afternoon, when it is permissible to ask a gentile to perform a Melacha (forbidden activity) on one's behalf when there is a great need, one may ask a gentile to light a Yahrtzeit candle. Meaning, if one forgot the light the candle before Shabbat, he may ask a non-Jew to do so during the period of Ben Ha'shemashot, because this is considered a matter of great need. Likewise, Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998) writes that if one has Yahrtzeit on Yom Tob and forgot to light the candle before Yom Tob, he may light it on Yom Tob (from a preexisting flame). This is considered a significant enough need to permit lighting a candle on Yom Tob. When lighting the candle, the Ben Ish Hai writes, it is proper to declare that the candle is being lit for the "Menuhat Nefesh" ("rest of the soul") or "Iluy Nefesh" ("elevation of the soul") of the deceased, mentioning the deceased's name. It is also proper to give some charity at the time the candle is lit. Some opinions say it is preferable to use oil for this candle, because the word "Shemen" ("oil") has the letters of "Neshama," whereas others say wax should be used, because the letters of the word "Sha'ava" ("wax") represent the verse, "Hakisu Ve'ranenu Shocheneh Afar" – "Awaken and rejoice, those who lie in the earth," the verse which speaks of the resurrection of the dead in the future. Summary: There is a time-honored custom to light a candle in memory of a deceased loved one during the Shiba mourning period, and on the Yahrtzeit. According to one view, the candles are lit in the synagogue as a merit for the deceased, whereas others explain that a candle lit in a place where the deceased's soul is present brings joy and comfort to the soul. Therefore, according to many opinions, the candles should be lit only in the deceased's home during Shiba, at the grave, or in the synagogue.

Send us a textShabbas: A Day Void of Melacha

**Today's Halacha is dedicated f or the refuah and haslacha of Ronnie, Sharon, Eli and all the children of CARE** When Yom Tob begins on Mosa'eh Shabbat, one may not light the Yom Tob candles until the end of Shabbat. Therefore, a woman must recite "Baruch Ha'mabdil Ben Kodesh Le'kodesh" before she lights the Yom Tob candles, unless she recited Arbit with the special insert of "Va'todi'enu," which serves as a kind of "Habdala" and formally ends Shabbat. Those who every week follow the view of Rabbenu Tam, and refrain from Melacha until 72 minutes after sundown, should do so also when Yom Tob begins on Mosa'eh Shabbat, and should not light candles until 72 minutes after sunset. When Yom Tob falls on Mosa'eh Shabbat, we combine Kiddush and Habdala, and recite the Berachot in the sequence known by the acrostic "Yaknehaz": "Yayin" ("Boreh Peri Ha'gefen" over wine), "Kiddush" ("Asher Bahar Banu…Mekadesh Yisrael Ve'ha'zmanim"), "Ner" (the Beracha over the candle), "Habdala" (the Beracha of "Ha'mabdil Ben Kodesh Le'kodesh"), and "Zeman" ("She'hehiyanu"). We do not recite the Beracha over spices ("Besamim") when Mosa'eh Shabbat is Yom Tob (Mishna Berura 473:3). The custom in our community is to recite these Berachot while standing. Although we generally sit for Habdala, we nevertheless stand for the recitation of "Yaknehaz," since it is primarily Kiddush, for which we stand. One may recite the Beracha of "Boreh Me'oreh Ha'esh" over the Yom Tob candles, since they were lit for the purpose of illumination. However, if a Yahrtzeit candle was lit in memory of a departed loved one, it should not be used for the Beracha of "Boreh Me'oreh Ha'esh," since it was not lit for illumination, but to honor the memory of the deceased. If the candle was lit with the intention that the light should be used, then one may recite the Beracha of "Boreh Me'oreh Ha'esh" over it. In general, it is preferable to recite the Beracha of "Boreh Me'oreh Ha'esh" over an "Abuka" ("torch"), which means two or more wicks holding a single flame. When Yom Tob falls on Mosa'eh Shabbat, there is a practical problem using a conventional Habdala candle, since one may not extinguish fire on Yom Tob, and thus the candle will have to be left burning until it extinguishes. Therefore, if possible, one should prepare before Shabbat a surface with two wicks with some wax underneath them. These wicks should be lit on Mosa'eh Shabbat from an existing flame, and then the Beracha can be recited over this flame, which will naturally extinguish soon thereafter once all the wax has melted. If one did not prepare these wicks before Shabbat, he should recite the Beracha of "Boreh Me'oreh Ha'esh" over one of the Yom Tob candles. One should not combine two candles together for the Beracha, as it is questionable whether it would then be permissible to separate the candles. On an ordinary Mosa'eh Shabbat, if one forgot to recite "Ata Honantanu" – which is a sort of Habdala – in the Amida in Arbit, he does not have to repeat the Amida, because he will in any event recite Habdala. However, if he then ate before reciting Habdala, Hazal imposed a "penalty" requiring this person to repeat the Amida. When Yom Tob falls on Mosa'eh Shabbat, however, one who forgot to recite "Va'todi'enu" and then ate before Habdala does not have to repeat the Amida. This is the ruling of Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1923-1998), who explains that whereas "Ata Honantanu" was established by the Ansheh Kenesset Ha'gedola (Men of the Great Assembly), and is thus considered part of the prayer, "Va'todi'enu" was established later, during the time of Rav and Shemuel. As such, "Va'todi'enu" is not an integral part of the Amida, and therefore the "penalty" that applies to one who forget to recite "Ata Honantanu" does not apply to one who forgot to recite "Va'todi'enu." Needless to say, however, one must make every effort to remember to recite "Va'todi'enu" and not to eat before reciting the combination of Kiddush and Habdala.

Amirah L'akum: Melacha - machlokes, psik reishah, urn; For Jews - wash dishes, adatah d'nafshey, Jew's home, write orders, convection oven, industrial, eruv; Shabbos or Yom Tov - Early Shabbos, bein hashmashos, open on Shabbos.See seforim by Rabbi Cohen at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.kashrushalacha.com⁠

Discussion about doing work on Purim and aggadita's regarding identities of various cities in Tanach

1 section- allowed/not to benefit from goy's work on Shabbos, depends if intended for Jew/did not and if "makiro"

If one violated the prohibition of Borer B'Mezid (intentionally), the selected food is forbidden to benefit from. The only solution is to mix it back in with the P'solet (waste) and start again by selecting in a permitted fashion. If one violated Borer B'Shogeg (unintentionally), Hacham Ovadia and Hacham David in Halacha Berura bring several factors to rely upon to be lenient. First, there is the opinion of Rabbi Meir who permits benefiting from all prohibited Melachot performed B'Shogeg. Second, it is only forbidden to benefit from Melachot similar to Bishul (cooking) in which there is an intrinsic change to the object. E.g. raw food becomes cooked food. However, Borer, is similar to the Melacha of Hosa'ah (carrying) in which the food is moved about, but nothing is done to the food. In such cases, the Hayeh Adam (Rav Abraham Danzig of Vilna, 1748-1820) rules that there is no problem benefitting from the Melacha. Moreover, there was a permitted way to perform the Borer, and therefore it is not actually considered benefiting from a prohibited Melacha, since he could have done it the permitted way. SUMMARY If one violated Borer unintentionally he may benefit from the food on Shabbat.

Women Doing Melacha After Lighting the MenorahSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Dvar Halacha Shabbos-39 Melachos. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

Women light candles on both nights of Rosh Hashanah. On the second night, the candles must be lit only after nightfall, once the first day of the holiday has ended, as it is forbidden to make preparations on the first day of Yom Tob for the second day. The common custom is to wait until 40 minutes after sunset on the second night of Rosh Hashanah before lighting candles. There are those who, every Shabbat and Yom Tob, refrain from Melachot De'Orayta – activities proscribed by force of Torah law – until 72 minutes after sundown, in deference to the view of Rabbenu Tam (Rav Yaakob Tam, France, 1100-1171) that the day ends only at that point. Such people should wait until 72 minutes after sundown before lighting the candles on the second night of Yom Tob, because this, too, involves a Melacha forbidden by Torah law. (They may, however, heat food for the Yom Tob meal already 40 minutes after sundown.) Although kindling a flame is permitted on Yom Tob, this is allowed only from a preexisting flame; it is forbidden to create a new flame, such as by striking a match, on Yom Tob. It is therefore customary to light before Rosh Hashanah a flame that will remain kindled throughout Rosh Hashanah, so that one may light fire whenever it is needed. Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998) ruled that it is forbidden on Yom Tob to create a flame even by placing a match on a hot surface, as kindling is allowed only from a preexisting flame. It is also forbidden to extinguish fire on Yom Tob, and therefore, after lighting the Yom Tob candles on the second night, the woman must put the candle or match with which she lit on a metal surface and allow it to extinguish by itself. The custom of women in our community is not to recite "She'hehiyanu" when lighting candles on Yom Tob, and to instead fulfill the requirement of "She'hehiyanu" by listening to its recitation at Kiddush. Summary: Candles should be lit on the second night of Rosh Hashanah no earlier than 40 minutes after sundown. Those who generally refrain from Melacha after Shabbat until 72 minutes after sundown (in deference to the view of Rabbenu Tam) should ensure not to light until this point on the second night of Yom Tob. The candles must be lit from a preexisting flame, and therefore one must ensure to light a long-lasting flame before Yom Tob. One may not extinguish a flame on Yom Tob, and so after lighting the Yom Tob candles on the second night, the woman must put the candle or match with which she lit on a metal surface and allow it to extinguish by itself.

The Sisit strings are comprised of two parts: The P'til, which is the loose strings and the G'dil, which is the upper part made of knots and coils. From Torah law, it is not mandatory to have the intricate sequence of knots and coils that we customarily wear. It is sufficient to merely tie the strings in a double knot at the edge of the Tallit, wrap three coils and then tie another double knot. However, the Hachamim instituted to make four sets of coils, with each set having a different number of coils. The Shulhan Aruch states that the first set should have seven coils; the next set should have 9, followed by a set of eleven and thirteen. According to this, the sum total of coils is 40. However, Rabbenu HaAri said that the second set should have only eight coils. This is how most of our Sisit are tied. According to this method, the sum total of coils is 39, which is the numerical equivalent of "Hashem Echad"-G-d is One. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) found an allusion to this sequence in a Pasuk in Kohelet. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1839-1933) discusses a case in which a person does not have enough time to tie his new Sisit strings to a Tallit before Shabbat. It is prohibited to make Sisit on Shabbat, because it is a Melacha of tying and because it is considered completing a vessel. The Mishna Berura rules that he should simply attach the strings, make three coils and then tie a double knot. That would be sufficient at the minimal level. After Shabbat, he would complete the proper sequence of coils and knots. The other Poskim add that he should first tie a double knot at the edge of the Tallit and then wrap the coils. The Kaf HaHaim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939) cites the custom of the Sepharadim to create layered ridges when wrapping the coils, forming what looks like a staircase. This has Kabbalistic significance. Some Ashkenazim have the custom to wrap the coils according to the name of Hashem-YHVH, ten coils and then five, followed by six and five. SUMMARY: The string of the Sisit is wrapped in four sets of coils, according to a sequence of 7.8,11,13. The Sepharadim have the custom to wrap the coils in a staircase-like ridge. If one did not have time to tie Sisit to a Tallit before Shabbat, he should tie the minimum double knot and then three coils followed by a double knot.

If a husband or wife accepts Shabbat before the required time, is the other spouse bound by that acceptance? For example, if a woman has in mind when lighting the Shabbat candles that she accepts Shabbat, is the husband now bound by the prohibitions of Shabbat? This question also affects the reverse situation, when a husband attends an early Minyan on Friday evening, where he recites Minha and Arbit and accepts Shabbat. Must his wife accept Shabbat at the same time, or may she continue making Shabbat preparations until the final time for accepting Shabbat? Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Hazon Ovadia (p. 288; listen to audio recording for precise citation), rules that a husband or wife's acceptance of Shabbat does not affect the other spouse. Based on the writings of several earlier authorities, including Rav Sherira Gaon and Rabbenu Peretz, Hacham Ovadia writes that a person may continue performing Melacha (activity forbidden on Shabbat) until he or she personally accepts Shabbat, regardless of whether the other spouse accepted Shabbat. Thus, it is Halachically acceptable for a husband to attend the early Friday evening service and return home to find his wife still cooking and making other Shabbat preparations, as she is not bound by his acceptance of Shabbat. Similarly, even after a woman accepts Shabbat while lighting candles, the husband can still recite the weekday Minha and perform Melacha until he accepts Shabbat. Summary: If a husband or wife accepts Shabbat early on Friday afternoon, the other may still perform Melacha until the final time for accepting Shabbat.

When during the Friday night prayer service do the laws of Shabbat take effect? At one specific point during the service does it become forbidden for a person to perform Melacha (forbidden activity)? This issue is subject to a dispute between Maran (Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch) and the Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572). The Shulhan Aruch maintained that one formally accepts Shabbat when he recites the Psalm of "Mizmor Shir Le'Yom Ha'Shabbat," whereas the Arizal held that one accepts Shabbat earlier, when he recites "Bo'i Kalla Shabbat Malketa." The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad) accepted the stringent view of the Arizal, and Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Halichot Olam, writes that one should preferably follow this view. Therefore, one should not perform any Melacha after reciting the words "Bo'i Kalla Shabbat Malketa" at the end of Lecha Dodi (even though the sun has not set). It should be noted that responding to Barechu at Arbit on Friday night also constitutes the formal acceptance of Shabbat. Of course, in most cases, one has already accepted Shabbat before Barechu by reciting "Bo'i Kalla Shabbat Malketa," as discussed above. However, if it happens that one responds to Barechu of Arbit before reciting "Bo'i Kalla Shabbat Malketa," he has nevertheless accepted Shabbat. This can happen in places such as the Kotel Ha'ma'arabi (Western Wall) in Jerusalem, where many different Minyanim are taking place at the same time. If a person hears a Minyan praying Arbit on Friday night, and he responds to Barechu, he has accepted the onset of Shabbat, regardless of whether or not he has recited Kabbalat Shabbat. In fact, if a person responds to Barechu on Friday night before he recited Minha, he may no longer recite Minha. Since he has accepted the onset of Shabbat through his response to Barechu, he cannot then recite the weekday Minha prayer. This applies even though he responds to Barechu with the specific intention not to accept Shabbat. Therefore, if a person has yet to recite Minha on Friday afternoon and hears Barechu from a Minyan praying Arbit, he should not respond, because he would then be unable to pray Minha. This Halacha is restricted to Barechu on Friday night. During the week, responding to Barechu does not mean that one has formally ended the day and begun the night. Therefore, if a person has yet to recite Minha and hears a Minyan praying Arbit, he may respond to Barechu and then pray Minha. Conversely, a person who recited Arbit and then hears a Minyan praying Minha may respond to Nakdishach, even though he has already recited Arbit. Reciting Arbit, or answering to Barechu of Arbit, does not constitute the "acceptance" of the nighttime period, and therefore one may still respond to Nakdishach after reciting Arbit, or pray Minha after responding to Barechu of Arbit. Summary: Once a person recites "Bo'i Kalla Shabbat Malketa" at the end of the Lecha Dodi hymn, he is considered to have accepted Shabbat and may no longer perform activity forbidden on Shabbat, even though the sun has not set. A person who answers to Barechu of Arbit on Friday night is considered to have accepted Shabbat even though he has not recited Kabbalat Shabbat. If a person hears a Minyan praying Arbit on Friday night before he has prayed Minha, he should not respond to Barechu, as he would then be considered to have accepted Shabbat and would thus be unable to pray Minha.

Halacha forbids deriving benefit from a Melacha (forbidden activity) performed on Shabbat. Thus, if a person cooked food on Shabbat in violation of Halacha, it may not be eaten. This prohibition was enacted by the Sages. As far as Torah law is concerned, food that was cooked on Shabbat is permissible for consumption; it was the Sages who enacted this provision prohibiting eating food that was prepared in violation of Shabbat. The Rabbinic origin of this prohibition yields important ramifications. Hacham Ovadia Yosef ruled that if food was prepared on Shabbat in violation of Halacha, but there are authorities who permitted food preparation in that fashion, then the food is permissible for consumption. Even though Halacha does not follow that opinion, and forbids performing the act in question, nevertheless, if the act was done, the food may be eaten. Since the prohibition against eating food cooked on Shabbat constitutes a Rabbinic, rather than Biblical, prohibition, it does not apply in situations of Safek (Halachic uncertainty). As such, if there is some question among the Halachic authorities as to whether the food was in fact prepared in violation of Shabbat, the food may be eaten. One example of this rule is the case of food that had been half-cooked before Shabbat, a situation known in Halacha as "Ke'ma'achal Ben Derusai." According to some authorities, if a food had been half-cooked before Shabbat, one who cooks that food on Shabbat has not violated Shabbat. Since the food was already edible, at least for some people, completing the cooking process does not violate the Shabbat prohibition against cooking. However, the Shulhan Aruch does not follow this view, and rules that fully cooking this kind of food constitutes a violation of Shabbat. Therefore, if a food had not been fully cooked before Shabbat, one may not put it on the stove or on the Blech on Shabbat to complete the cooking process. Nevertheless, if a person did place half-cooked food on the Blech to finish cooking, the food is nevertheless permissible. Since there are authorities who permitted cooking food in this fashion, the food may be eaten despite the fact that it was cooked in violation of the accepted Halacha. Thus, for example, if a person is a guest at somebody's home on Shabbat, and the host mentions that the food being served had only been half-cooked before Shabbat, and it was placed on the Blech in the morning to finish cooking, he may eat the food. Even though the host acted incorrectly by placing the food on the Blech, it is nevertheless permissible. Another example is soup that was reheated on Shabbat. The Shulhan Aruch rules that one may not reheat liquid food on Shabbat, even though it had been fully cooked before Shabbat. Therefore, one may not take Kibbehamda (soup with meatballs), for example, out of the refrigerator on Shabbat morning and put it on the Blech so it can be served during lunch. Nevertheless, if somebody did place a pot of soup on the Blech on Shabbat morning, it may be eaten. The Rambam (Rabbi Moshe Maimonides, Spain-Egypt, 1135-1204) held that reheating liquid food is permissible on Shabbat, because, in his view, cooking any food that has been cooked before Shabbat does not violate the prohibition of "cooking" on Shabbat. Halacha does not follow this opinion, and forbids reheating liquid food on Shabbat. Nevertheless, if one did reheat liquid food, the food may be eaten, in light of the different opinions on the subject. Hacham Ovadia (listen to audio recording for precise citation) also applies this rule to a case of raw food that one cooked during the period of Ben Ha'shemashot (twilight) on Friday afternoon. The term Ben Ha'shemashot refers to the 13.5-minute period immediately after sundown, and it is uncertain whether this period should be considered daytime or nighttime. It is therefore clearly forbidden to cook during this period, as one thereby may be violating a Torah prohibition. However, food that was cooked during the period of Ben Ha'shemashot may nevertheless be eaten. This food has the status of Safek; there is a possibility that it was cooked on Shabbat, but there is also a possibility that it was cooked before Shabbat. Therefore, this food may be eaten, since it is uncertain whether or not it had been cooked on Shabbat. It must be emphasized, however, that it is certainly forbidden to cook during Ben Ha'shemashot; this discussion refers only to a case of someone mistakenly cooked during this period, in violation of Halacha. Summary: Generally speaking, food that was cooked on Shabbat in violation of Halacha may not be eaten. There are, however, several exceptions: 1) If food was half-cooked before Shabbat, one may not put it on the fire or Blech to finish cooking on Shabbat, but if he did, the food is permissible. 2) One may not reheat soup or other liquid foods on Shabbat, but if one did reheat liquid food that had been cooked before Shabbat, it may be eaten. 3) One may not cook during Ben Ha'shemashot (the 13.5-minute period after sundown) on Friday afternoon, but food cooked during this period may be eaten.