Tag: shabbat

Teachings of the Arizal – The Importance of Praying Quietly

Silence

Rabbi Chaim Vital in the introduction to Shaar HaKavanot speaks about the issue of the manner of prayer. Here, Rabbi Chaim Vital introduces us to a vital area of our lives – the world of prayer. Those who daven with a Minyan regularly know well the challenges encountered. One most usually finds that everyone has something to say – and that doesn’t mean their prayer to God – it often means their approach to prayer which takes on outward signs of righteousness as opposed to inner calm and connection with the Divine. This – let alone the often unpleasant unnecessary noise of needless conversation, but that is for another time…

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Walking With The Assistance of a Walking-Stick on Shabbat

Walking Stick

In today’s “Random Torah” post we take a look at a fascinating Halachah on Shabbat. What is the law with regards to walking with a walking stick when outdoors on Shabbat? Clearly, the law is that one may not carry in a Reshut HaRabim – a public thoroughfare – a place where 600 000 people pass through and is 16 Amot wide (approximately 8 metres). This is the Melachah – the forbidden Shabbat activity known as Hotza’ah or “taking out”. Some say that if 600 000 people do not pass through, it is not treated as a Reshut HaRabim, but this is not the discussion for today’s post. Follow along, because not only is the law an interesting one, but it also gives us an insight into a popular misconception in today’s times!

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Cutting One’s Hair and One’s Fingernails and Toenails on Erev Shabbat

Hands and Feet

The Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 260:1 says that it is a Mitzvah to trim one’s nails on Erev Shabbat i.e. Friday. The Rema adds that if one’s hair needs a trim, then one should do it then as well. He also adds that we do not cut the fingernails in order. We should begin with the left hand starting with the fourth finger then move to the second then the fifth, the third and then the thumb.

This content is for Silver Member of Chessed Ve’Emet’s Community, Gold Member of Chessed Ve’Emet’s Community, Platinum Member of Chessed Ve’Emet’s Community, and Diamond Member of Chessed Ve’Emet’s Community members only.
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