Shabbat

Shabbat is one of the most central aspects of Jewish life. Rabbi Lauffer demonstrates how the function of Shabbat is to elevate the physical into a spiritual dimension

How can we elevate the holy Shabbat into a more spiritual experience? Learn how the way we think, speak, walk and dress on Shabbat should be entirely different to our behavior during the week

Is it permissible to put soup nuts into soup on Shabbat? May one add salt to hot soup? May one fry an egg in the heat of the sun on Shabbat? Rabbi Lauffer clarifies the laws regarding the prohibition of cooking on Shabbat?

When is food considered cooked according to Jewish law? May one warm up chicken on the hot plate on Shabbat? May one add sugar or salt into hot liquids on Shabbat? Rabbi Lauffer elaborates further on the laws regarding the prohibition of cooking on Shabbat

Is it permissible to add water into a humidifier on Shabbat? How may one keep food warm on Shabbat? Rabbi Lauffer elaborates further on the laws regarding the prohibition of cooking on Shabbat

What is a blech? How can one warm food up on Shabbat using a blech or a hot plate? Rabbi Lauffer clarifies more basic laws regarding warming up food on Shabbat

Is it permissible to cover food on the hot plate on Shabbat? May one use a hot-water-bottle on Shabbat? Why do we eat cholent on Shabbat? Rabbi Lauffer clarifies laws regarding insulating food on Shabbat

When the Shabbat concludes we recite prayers that help us transcend back into regular weekday activity. Rabbi Lauffer discusses the laws and customs regarding the Havdalah service and the prayers we recite when Shabbat ends

The Friday night meal begins with songs and blessings that glamorize the holy Shabbat. Rabbi Lauffer illustrates the structure of these blessings and the immense impact they make on our lives

Rabbi Lauffer delivers a detailed explanation of the laws and customs regarding the Friday night experience, focusing on the blessings made over the wine and challah at the onset of the Friday night meal

Why do we wash our hands at the conclusion of the Friday night meal? Rabbi Lauffer elaborates on the laws and customs regarding the conclusion of the Friday night meal

The uniqueness of Kabbalat Shabbat is that it is a preparation for a meaningful Shabbat experience. Rabbi Lauffer explains the significance of this lofty and spiritual prayer

How can we utilize the Kabbalat Shabbat service to enhance our Shabbat experience? What is the function of the 'additional soul' that we receive on Shabbat? What is the secret ingredient that makes the Shabbat food so tasty? Rabbi Lauffer elaborates further on the uniqueness of Kabbalat Shabbat

Why did our Sages institute the laws of Muktzah? Rabbi Lauffer explains the concept of Muktzah and how the laws that the Sages established assist us in keeping the laws of the written Torah

May one add spices to food on Shabbat, if the spices color the food? How is it permissible to mix red wine and white wine on Shabbat? May one smooth out egg salad on Shabbat? Rabbi Lauffer discusses the laws concerning preparing food on Shabbat

How is it permissible to separate fish from its bones on Shabbat? May one peel a hard-boiled egg on Shabbat? Rabbi Lauffer illustrates the practical ramifications of the laws regarding separating items on Shabbat

In general, adding salt to food on Shabbat is permissible, though in some situations adding salt to vegetables may be problematic. Rabbi Lauffer discusses the laws regarding salting and pickling food on Shabbat

Why are the Shabbat candles lit by the mother of the house? What is the ideal time to light the Shabbat candles? What is the reason for lighting candles? Rabbi Lauffer elaborates on the laws and customs regarding lighting the Shabbat candles

Why do women cover their eyes when making the blessing on the Shabbat candles? May a woman still do melacha after lighting the candles? Rabbi Lauffer elaborates further on the laws and customs regarding lighting the Shabbat candles

Why is there a custom for the husband to prepare the Shabbat candles? Why do we light a minimum of two candles? Why is it best to light with olive oil? In this episode Rabbi Lauffer discusses the laws of lighting the Yom Tov and Shabbat candles