Shabbat
The Concept of 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
Thinking Differently on Shabbat
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
Cooking on Shabbat - Part 1
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?
Cooking on Shabbat - Part 2
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
Cooking on Shabbat - Part 3
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
Cooking on Shabbat - Part 4
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
Cooking on Shabbat - Part 5
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
End of 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
Friday Night - Part 1
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
Friday Night - Part 2
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
Friday Night - Part 3
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
Kabbalat Shabbat - Part 1
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
Kabbalat Shabbat - Part 2
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
Muktzah on 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
Preparing Food on Shabbat
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
Separating Items 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
Salting Food 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
Shabbat Candle Lighting - Part 1
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
Shabbat Candle Lighting - Part 2
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
Shabbat Candle Lighting - Part 3
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