Chapter Previewהַקְדָּמָה
In this chapter, we begin learning the essential halachos of hadlakas neiros, the kindling of the Shabbos lamp. Hashem's Sages instituted this holy obligation not as an optional matter, but as a binding duty incumbent upon every Jewish home to bring about shalom bayis and trueoneg Shabbos. We will see how far one must go to fulfill this mitzvah, even if it means begging from door to door, and the proper berachah to be recited before kindling.
We will also learn the practical guidelines for using the light of the Shabbos lamp once it is lit, ensuring we do not come to tilt the lamp on Shabbos. Additionally, the chapter discusses the proper timing for lighting before sunset, the special connection Jewish women have to this beautiful avodah, and the husband's responsibility to gently remind his household to prepare for the holy Shabbos.
All introductions, summaries, and contextual notes are the editor's commentary and are not part of the original text.אַלע הַקְדָּמוֹת, סִכּוּמִים, און הערות זענען דעם רעדאַקטאָר'ס באַמערקונגען און זענען נישט קיין טייל פונעם אָריגינעלן טעקסט.
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חוֹבַת הַדְלָקַת נֵר שַׁבָּת וּבִרְכָתָהּHalacha 1 · The Obligation to Kindle the Shabbos Lamp and Its Blessing
הַדְלָKindlingקַ·תofנֵרa lampבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosאֵינָהּis notרְשׁוּתoptionalאִםifרָצָהone wantsמַדְלִיקhe kindlesוְאִםand ifרָצָהone wantsאֵינוֹhe does notמַדְלִיק.kindleוְלֹאand notמִצְוָהa mitzvahשֶׁאֵינוֹthat he is notחַיָּבobligatedלִרְדֹּףto pursueאַחֲרֶיהָafter itעַדuntilשֶׁיַּעֲשֶׂנָהhe performs itכְּגוֹןsuch asעֵרוּבֵיeruvs ofחֲצֵרוֹתcourtyardsאוֹorנְטִילַתwashing ofיָדַיִםhandsלַאֲכִילָהfor eatingאֶלָּאratherזֶהthisחוֹבָה.is an obligationוְאֶחָדand bothאֲנָשִׁיםmenוְאֶחָדand bothנָשִׁיםwomenחַיָּבִיןare obligatedלִהְיוֹתto haveבְּבָתֵּיהֶןin their homesנֵרa lampדָּלוּקlitבְּשַׁבָּת.on Shabbosאֲפִלּוּeven ifאֵיןthere is notלוֹto himמַהwhatיֹּאכַלhe will eatשׁוֹאֵלhe begsעַלatהַפְּתָחִיםthe doorwaysוְלוֹקֵחַand buysשֶׁמֶןoilוּמַדְלִיקand kindlesאֶת—הַנֵּרthe lampשֶׁזֶּהfor thisבִּכְלַלis included inעֹנֶגdelight ofשַׁבָּת.Shabbosוְחַיָּבand he is obligatedלְבָרֵךְto blessקֹדֶםbeforeהַדְלָקָהkindlingבָּרוּךְBlessedאַתָּהare Youה'Hashemאֱלֹהֵינוּour GodמֶלֶךְKing ofהָעוֹלָםthe universeאֲשֶׁרWhoקִדְּשָׁנוּsanctified usבְּמִצְוֹתָיוwith His commandmentsוְצִוָּנוּand commanded usלְהַדְלִיקto kindleנֵרthe lampשֶׁלofשַׁבָּת.Shabbosכְּדֶרֶךְjust asשֶׁמְּבָרֵךְone blessesעַלonכָּלallהַדְּבָרִיםthe mattersשֶׁהוּאthat he isחַיָּבobligatedבָּהֶםin themמִדִּבְרֵיfrom the words ofסוֹפְרִים:Sages
This halacha establishes that lighting the Shabbos lamp is a mandatory Rabbinic obligation incumbent upon all, even requiring one to beg for oil if necessary, to ensure Shabbos joy and peace in the home.
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הַשִּׁמּוּשׁ בְּאוֹר נֵר שַׁבָּת וּגְזֵרַת שֶׁמָּא יַטֶּהHalacha 2 · Using the Light of a Shabbos Lamp and the Decree Lest One Tilt It
מֻתָּרIt is permittedלְהִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁto make useבְּנֵרof the lampשֶׁלofשַׁבָּת.Shabbosוְהוּאand that isשֶׁלֹּאthat notיְהֵאwill beהַדָּבָרthe matterצָרִיךְrequiringעִיּוּןscrutinyהַרְבֵּה.muchאֲבָלbutדָּבָרa matterשֶׁצָּרִיךְthat requiresלְדַקְדֵּקto be preciseבִּרְאִיָּתוֹin its seeingאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְהַבְחִינוֹto examine itלְאוֹרby the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampגְּזֵרָהas a decreeשֶׁמָּאlestיַטֶּה:one will tilt
This halacha outlines the Rabbinic prohibition against reading or examining items closely by the light of a Shabbos lamp, enacted to prevent one from accidentally tilting the lamp to draw the oil closer.
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זְמַן הַדְלָקַת נֵר שַׁבָּת וְהַמֻּטָּל עַל הָאִישׁ וְהָאִשָּׁהHalacha 3 · The Time for Lighting the Shabbos Lamp and the Obligations of Men and Women
הַמַּדְלִיקThe one who lightsצָרִיךְneedsלְהַדְלִיקto lightמִבְּעוֹדwhile yetיוֹםdayקֹדֶםbeforeשְׁקִיעַתsunset ofהַחַמָּה.the sunוְנָשִׁיםand womenמְצֻוּוֹתare commandedעַלonדָּבָרmatterזֶהthisיוֹתֵרmoreמִןthanהָאֲנָשִׁיםthe menלְפִיbecauseשֶׁהֵןthat theyמְצוּיוֹתare foundבַּבָּתִּיםin the homesוְהֵןand theyהָעֲסוּקוֹתare the ones occupiedבִּמְלֶאכֶתin the work ofהַבַּיִת.the houseוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughכֵןsoצָרִיךְneedsהָאִישׁthe manלְהַזְהִירָןto warn themוְלִבְדֹּקand to checkאוֹתָןthemעַלonכָּךְthisוְלוֹמַרand to sayלָהֶןto themוּלְאַנְשֵׁיand to the people ofבֵּיתוֹhis houseעֶרֶבeve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosקֹדֶםbeforeשֶׁתֶּחְשַׁךְit gets darkהַדְלִיקוּkindleאֶת—הַנֵּר.the lampסְפֵקdoubtחֲשֵׁכָהdarknessוְנִכְנַסand enteredהַשַּׁבָּתthe Shabbosסָפֵקdoubtלֹאnotנִכְנַסenteredאֵיןwe do notמַדְלִיקִין:light
This halacha details the requirement to light the Shabbos lamp before sunset, the primary role of women in this mitzvah, the husband's duty to remind his household, and the prohibition of lighting during twilight.
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הַגְדָּרַת זְמַן בֵּין הַשְּׁמָשׁוֹת וְצֵאת הַכּוֹכָבִיםHalacha 4 · The Definition of the Twilight Period and the Appearance of Stars
מִשֶּׁתִּשְׁקַעFrom when sinksהַחַמָּהthe sunעַדuntilשֶׁיֵּרָאוּthat are seenשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeכּוֹכָבִיםstarsבֵּינוֹנִיםmedium-sizedהוּאitהַזְּמַןis the timeהַנִּקְרָאthat is calledבֵּיןbetweenהַשְּׁמָשׁוֹתthe sunsבְּכָלin everyמָקוֹם.placeוְהוּאand itסָפֵקis a doubtמִןfromהַיּוֹםthe dayסָפֵקa doubtמִןfromהַלַּיְלָהthe nightוְדָנִיןand we judgeבּוֹin itלְהַחֲמִירto be stringentבְּכָלin everyמָקוֹם.placeוּלְפִיכָךְand thereforeאֵיןwe do notמַדְלִיקִיןkindleבּוֹ.in itוְהָעוֹשֶׂהand one who doesמְלָאכָהmelachaבֵּיןbetweenהַשְּׁמָשׁוֹתthe sunsבְּעֶרֶבon the eve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosוּבְמוֹצָאֵיand on the departure ofשַׁבָּתShabbosבְּשׁוֹגֵגunintentionallyחַיָּבis obligated inחַטָּאתa sin offeringמִכָּלin anyמָקוֹם.caseוְכוֹכָבִיםand starsאֵלּוּtheseלֹאare notגְּדוֹלִיםlarge onesהַנִּרְאִיםthat are seenבַּיּוֹםby dayוְלֹאand notקְטַנִּיםsmall onesשֶׁאֵיןthat are notנִרְאִיןseenאֶלָּאexceptבַּלַּיְלָהat nightאֶלָּאbutבֵּינוֹנִים.medium-sizedוּמִשֶׁיֵּרָאוּand from when are seenשְׁלֹשָׁהthree ofכּוֹכָבִיםstarsאֵלּוּtheseהַבֵּינוֹנִיםmedium-sized onesהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisלַיְלָהis nightוַדַּאי:definitely
This halacha defines the doubtful period of twilight, known as beyn hash'mashot, and the criteria for the definitive onset of night.
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חֳמָרִים הַכְּשֵׁרִים וְהַפְּסוּלִים לִפְתִילַת נֵר שַׁבָּתHalacha 5 · Permitted and Forbidden Materials for the Shabbos Lamp Wick
פְּתִילָהA wickשֶׁמַּדְלִיקִיןthat we lightבָּהּwith itלְשַׁבָּתfor Shabbosאֵיןwe do notעוֹשִׂיןmakeאוֹתָהּ—מִדָּבָרfrom a substanceשֶׁהָאוּרthat the lightמְסַכְסֶכֶתflickersבּוֹin itכְּגוֹןsuch asצֶמֶרwoolוְשֵׂעָרand hairוּמֶשִׁיand silkוְצֶמֶרand fiberהָאֶרֶזof cedarוּפִשְׁתָּןand flaxשֶׁלֹּאthat was notנֻפַּץcombedוְסִיבand bastשֶׁלofדֶּקֶלa palm treeוּמִינֵיand types ofהָעֵץwoodהָרַכִּיםsoftוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶן.to themאֶלָּאbutמִדָּבָרfrom a substanceשֶׁהָאוּרthat the lightנִתְלֵיתclingsבּוֹ.to itכְּגוֹןsuch asפִּשְׁתָּהflaxנְפוּצָהcombedוּבִגְדֵיand garments ofשֵׁשׁlinenוְצֶמֶרand wool ofגֶּפֶןcottonוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶן.to themוְהַמַּדְלִיקand the one who lightsצָרִיךְmustשֶׁיַּדְלִיקlightבְּרֹבthe majority ofהַיּוֹצֵאthat which emergesמִןfromהַפְּתִילָה:the wick
This halacha defines which materials may be used to make wicks for the Shabbos lights and requires that the flame catch onto most of the exposed wick.
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דִּין כְּרִיכַת פְּתִילָה הַמֻּתֶּרֶת עַל גַּבֵּי דָּבָר הָאָסוּרHalacha 6 · Winding a Permitted Wick Around a Forbidden Substance on Shabbos
הַכּוֹרֵךְOne who windsדָּבָרa substanceשֶׁמַּדְלִיקִיןthat we may lightבּוֹwith itעַלuponגַּבֵּיthe back ofדָּבָרa substanceשֶׁאֵיןthat we may notמַדְלִיקִיןlightבּוֹ.with itאִםifלְהַעֲבוֹתto thickenהַפְּתִילָהthe wickכְּדֵיin orderלְהוֹסִיףto increaseאוֹרָהּits lightאָסוּר.it is forbiddenוְאִםand ifלְהַקְשׁוֹתto stiffenהַפְּתִילָהthe wickכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁתְּהֵאthat it will beעוֹמֶדֶתstandingוְלֹאand notתִּשְׁתַּלְשֵׁלhang downלְמַטָּהbelowמֻתָּר:it is permitted
This halacha discusses the permissibility of winding a valid wick material around an invalid one, depending on whether the intent is to increase the light or merely to support the wick.
הל׳ ז
הַנָּחַת מֶלַח בַּנֵּר וְהַסָּקַת מְדוּרָה מִפְּתִילוֹת הַפְּסוּלוֹתHalacha 7 · Placing Salt in a Lamp and Kindling a Bonfire from Invalid Wicks
נוֹתְנִיןOne may placeגַּרְגִּירa grainשֶׁלofמֶלַחsaltוּגְרִיסand a split-kernelשֶׁלofפּוֹלa beanעַלonפִּיthe opening ofהַנֵּרthe lampבְּעֶרֶבon FridayשַׁבָּתShabbosשֶׁיִּהְיֶהso that it willדּוֹלֵקburnבְּלֵילon the night ofשַׁבָּת.ShabbosוְכָלAnd allהַפְּתִילוֹתthe wicksשֶׁאֵיןthat we do notמַדְלִיקִיןlightבָּהֶןwith themבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosעוֹשִׂיןone may makeמֵהֶןfrom themמְדוּרָהa bonfireבֵּיןwhetherלְהִתְחַמֵּםto warm oneselfכְּנֶגְדָּהּby itבֵּיןwhetherלְהִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁto useלְאוֹרָהּits lightבֵּיןwhetherעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofמְנוֹרָהa holderבֵּיןwhetherעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofקַרְקַע.the groundוְלֹאand they did notאָסְרוּforbidאֶלָּאexceptלַעֲשׂוֹתָןto make themפְּתִילָהa wickלְנֵרfor a candleבִּלְבַד:alone
This halacha discusses preparations made on Friday to improve a Shabbos lamp, and clarifies that wicks invalid for Shabbos candles may still be used in a bonfire.
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פְּסוּלֵי שְׁמָנִים וּפְתִילוֹת לְנֵר שַׁבָּתHalacha 8 · Unacceptable Oils and Wicks for the Shabbos Lamp
שֶׁמֶןOilשֶׁמַּדְלִיקִיןthat we kindleבּוֹwith itלִשַׁבָּתfor Shabbosצָרִיךְmustשֶׁיְּהֵאbeנִמְשָׁךְdrawnאַחַרafterהַפְּתִילָהthe wickאֲבָלbutשְׁמָנִיןoilsשֶׁאֵיןthat are notנִמְשָׁכִיןdrawnאַחַרafterהַפְּתִילָהthe wickכְּגוֹןsuch asזֶפֶתtarוְשַׁעֲוָהand waxוְשֶׁמֶןand oil ofקִיקkikוְאַלְיָהand sheep's tailוְחֵלֶבand tallowאֵיןwe do notמַדְלִיקִיןkindleבָּהֶן.with themוּמִפְּנֵיand because ofמָהwhatאֵיןdo we notמַדְלִיקִיןkindleבִּפְתִילוֹתwith wicksשֶׁאֵיןthat notהָאוּרthe fireנִתְלֵיתcatchesבָּהֶןon themוְלֹאand notבִּשְׁמָנִיםwith oilsשֶׁאֵיןthat are notנִמְשָׁכִיםdrawnאַחַרafterהַפְּתִילָהthe wickגְּזֵרָהa decreeשֶׁמָּאlestיִהְיֶהwill beאוֹרthe light ofהַנֵּרthe lampאָפֵלdimוְיַטֶּהand he will tiltאוֹתָהּitבְּשָׁעָהat the timeשֶׁיִּשְׁתַּמֵּשׁthat he usesלְאוֹרָהּ:its light
The Sages prohibited using poor-quality oils and wicks for Shabbos lamps to prevent one from tilting the lamp to improve its light on Shabbos.
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הַדְלָקַת נֵר שַׁבָּת בְּחֵלֶב מֻתָּךְ וּתְעָרוֹבוֹת שְׁמָנִים פְּסוּלִיםHalacha 9 · Lighting the Shabbos Lamp with Melted Tallow and Mixtures of Unacceptable Oils
חֵלֶבTallowשֶׁהִתִּיכוֹthat he meltedוְקִרְבֵיand entrails ofדָּגִיםfishשֶׁנִּמּוֹחוּthat dissolvedנוֹתֵןone putsלְתוֹכָןinto themשֶׁמֶןoilכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאthat it isוּמַדְלִיק.and lightsאֲבָלbutשְׁמָנִיןoilsשֶׁאֵיןthat notמַדְלִיקִיןwe lightבָּהֶןwith themאֲפִלּוּeven ifעֵרְבָןhe mixed themבִּשְׁמָנִיםwith oilsשֶׁמַּדְלִיקִיןthat we lightבָּהֶןwith themלֹאnotיַדְלִיקshall he lightמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁאֵיןthat they are notנִמְשָׁכִין:drawn
This halacha discusses the permissibility of lighting Shabbos lamps with melted tallow or fish entrails when mixed with acceptable oil, and the prohibition of using mixtures containing unacceptable oils.
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חֳמָרִים הָאֲסוּרִים לְהַדְלָקָה בְּשַׁבָּת מִפְּנֵי סַכָּנָה וְרֵיחַHalacha 10 · Materials Forbidden for Lighting on Shabbos Due to Danger and Odor
אֵיןWe do notמַדְלִיקִיןlightבְּעִטְרָןwith pine sapמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁרֵיחוֹthat its smellרַעis badשֶׁמָּאlestיַנִּיחֶנּוּhe will leave itוְיֵצֵאand go outוְחוֹבָהand an obligationעָלָיוis upon himלֵישֵׁבto sitלְאוֹרby the light ofהַנֵּר.the lampוְלֹאand notבָּצֳרִיwith balsam oilמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁרֵיחוֹthat its smellטוֹבis goodשֶׁמָּאlestיִקַּחhe will takeמִמֶּנּוּfrom itמִןfromהַנֵּרthe lampוְעוֹדand furthermoreמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאthat itעָף.is volatileוְלֹאand notבְּנֵפְטwith naphthaלָבָןwhiteוַאֲפִלּוּand evenבְּחלon a weekdayמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאthat itעָףis volatileוְיָבוֹאand he will comeלִידֵיto the hands ofסַכָּנָה:danger
This halacha details the Rabbinic prohibitions against using certain foul-smelling, highly fragrant, or volatile substances as fuel for the Shabbos lamp.
הל׳ יא
הַשְּׁמָנִים הַכְּשֵׁרִים לְהַדְלָקַת נֵר שַׁבָּתHalacha 11 · Oils Permitted Ab Initio for Lighting the Shabbos Lamp
מֻתָּרIt is permittedלְהַדְלִיקto lightלְכַתְּחִלָּהab initioבִּשְׁאָרwith otherשְׁמָנִיםoilsכְּגוֹןsuch asשֶׁמֶןoil ofצְנוֹןradishוְשֻׁמְשְׁמִיןand sesameוְלֶפֶתand turnipוְכָלand allכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּהֶן.to themאֵיןnotאָסוּרis forbiddenאֶלָּאexceptאֵלּוּtheseשֶׁמָּנוּthat enumeratedחֲכָמִיםthe Sagesבִּלְבַד:alone
This halacha clarifies that besides olive oil, other common oils are permitted ab initio for lighting the Shabbos lamp, and only those specifically forbidden by the Sages are restricted.
הל׳ יב
גְּזֵרַת הִסְתַּפְּקוּת מִן הַשֶּׁמֶן שֶׁבַּנֵּר וְאִסּוּר מוּקְצֶהHalacha 12 · The Decree Against Taking Oil from a Lamp and the Prohibition of Muktzeh
לֹאNotיִתֵּןshall placeאָדָםa personכְּלִיa vesselמְנֻקָּבperforatedמָלֵאfilled withשֶׁמֶןoilעַלoverפִּיthe opening ofהַנֵּרthe lampבִּשְׁבִילin orderשֶׁיְּהֵאthat it shouldמְנַטֵּף.dripוְלֹאAnd notיְמַלֵּאshall he fillקְעָרָהa bowl withשֶׁמֶןoilוְיִתְּנֶנָּהand place itבְּצַדbesideהַנֵּרthe lampוְיִתֵּןand placeרֹאשׁthe end ofהַפְּתִילָהthe wickלְתוֹכָהּinto itבִּשְׁבִילin orderשֶׁתְּהֵאthat it shouldשׁוֹאֶבֶת.drawגְּזֵרָהA decreeשֶׁמָּאlestיִקַּחhe will takeמִןfromהַשֶּׁמֶןthe oilשֶׁבַּכְּלִיthat is in the vesselשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceלֹאit has notנִמְאַסbecome repugnantבַּנֵּר.in the lampוְאָסוּרAnd it is forbiddenלֵהָנוֹתto benefitבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosמִןfromהַשֶּׁמֶןthe oilשֶׁהֻדְלַקthat was kindledבּוֹwith itוַאֲפִלּוּand even ifכָּבְתָהit went outהַנֵּרthe lampוַאֲפִלּוּand even ifנָטַףit drippedמִןfromהַנֵּרthe lampמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאit isמֻקְצֶהmuktzehמֵחֲמַתby reason ofאִסּוּר.prohibitionוְאִםAnd ifחִבֵּרhe attachedהַכְּלִיthe vesselשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבּוֹin itהַשֶּׁמֶןthe oilאֶלtoהַנֵּרthe lampבְּסִידwith limeוּבְחַרְסִיתor with clayוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶןto themמֻתָּר:it is permitted
The Sages prohibited placing an external vessel of oil to feed a lamp on Shabbos lest one take from that oil, which is muktzeh.
הל׳ יג
אִסּוּר בִּטּוּל כְּלִי מֵהֵיכָנוֹ וּנְתִינַת מַיִם תַּחַת הַנִּיצוֹצוֹתHalacha 13 · The Prohibition of Nullifying a Utensil and Placing Water Under Sparks
אֵיןWe do notנוֹתְנִיןplaceכְּלִיa utensilתַּחַתunderהַנֵּרthe lampלְקַבֵּלto receiveבּוֹin itשֶׁמֶןoilבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosשֶׁהֲרֵיbecauseמְבַטֵּלhe nullifiesהַכְּלִיthe utensilמֵהֵיכָנוֹ.from its readinessוְאִםand ifנְתָנוֹhe placed itמִבְּעוֹדwhile it was yetיוֹםdayמֻתָּר.it is permittedוְנוֹתְנִיןAnd we may placeכְּלִיa utensilתַּחַתunderהַנֵּרthe lampבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosלְקַבֵּלto receiveבּוֹin itנִיצוֹצוֹתsparksמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁאֵיןthere is notבָּהֶןin themמַמָּשׁsubstanceוַהֲרֵיand beholdלֹאhe has notבִּטְלוֹnullified itמִלְּטַלְטְלוֹ.from carrying itוְאָסוּרBut it is forbiddenלִתֵּןTo placeלְתוֹכוֹinto itמַיִםwaterוַאֲפִלּוּand evenמֵעֶרֶבfrom the eve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאheמְקָרֵבhastensכִּבּוּיthe extinguishing ofהַנִּיצוֹצוֹת:the sparks
This halacha discusses the prohibition of making a utensil unusable on Shabbos by catching dripping oil, and the restriction against placing water to extinguish falling sparks.
הל׳ יד
אִסּוּר קְרִיאָה וּפִלּוּי לְאוֹר הַנֵּר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 14 · The Prohibition of Reading and Searching for Lice by the Light of a Lamp on Shabbos
אֵיןOne may notפּוֹלִיןsearch for liceלְאוֹרby the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampוְלֹאand notקוֹרִיןreadלְאוֹרby the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampוַאֲפִלּוּand even ifגָּבוֹהַּhighשְׁתֵּיtwoקוֹמוֹתstoreysוַאֲפִלּוּand evenעֲשָׂרָהtenבָּתִּיםhousesזֶהthisעַלonגַּבtop ofזֶהthisוְהַנֵּרand the lampבָּעֶלְיוֹנָהis in the upper oneלֹאnotיִקְרָאshall he readוְלֹאand notיַפְלֶהshall he search for liceלְאוֹרָהּby its lightבַּתַּחְתּוֹנָהin the lower oneשֶׁמָּאlestיִשְׁכַּחhe will forgetוְיַטֶּה.and tiltוְאִםand ifהָיוּthey wereשְׁנַיִםtwoקוֹרִיןreadingבְּעִנְיָןin a subjectאֶחָדoneמֻתָּרִיןthey are permittedלִקְרוֹתto readלִפְנֵיbeforeהַנֵּרthe lampשֶׁכָּלsince eachאֶחָדoneמֵהֶןof themמַזְכִּירremindsחֲבֵרוֹhis fellowאִםifשָׁכַח.he forgetsאֲבָלbutלֹאnotבִּשְׁנֵיin twoעִנְיָנִיםsubjectsשֶׁכָּלsince eachאֶחָדoneמֵהֶןof themטָרוּדis occupiedבְּעִנְיָנוֹ:with his subject
This halacha details the Rabbinic decree forbidding reading or searching garments for lice by the light of an oil lamp on Shabbos, enacted to prevent one from accidentally tilting the lamp to draw the oil.
הל׳ טו
קְרִיאַת תִּינוֹקוֹת וְרַבָּן לְאוֹר הַנֵּר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 15 · Children and Their Teacher Reading by Lamp Light on Shabbos
הַתִּינוֹקוֹתThe childrenקוֹרִיןmay readלִפְנֵיbeforeרַבָּןtheir teacherלְאוֹרby the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהָרַבthe teacherמְשַׁמְּרָן.watches themאֲבָלbutהוּאheלֹאmay notיִקְרָאreadמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁאֵיןthere is noאֵימָתָןfear of themעָלָיו.upon himוְיֵשׁand there isלוֹto himלִרְאוֹתto lookבַּסֵּפֶרat the scrollלְאוֹרby the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampעַדuntilשֶׁיִּרְאֶהhe seesרֹאשׁthe beginning ofהַפָּרָשָׁהthe passageשֶׁהוּאthat heצָרִיךְneedsלְהַקְרוֹתָן.to have them readוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatנוֹתֵןhe placesהַסֵּפֶרthe scrollבְּיָדָןin their handוְהֵםand theyקוֹרְאִיןreadלְפָנָיו:before him
This halacha discusses the Rabbinic decree against reading by the light of an oil lamp on Shabbos, which is relaxed for children under their teacher's supervision.
הל׳ טז
אִסּוּר בְּדִיקַת כֵּלִים לְאוֹר הַנֵּר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 16 · Prohibition of Checking Vessels by the Light of a Lamp on Shabbos
כֵּלִיםVesselsהַדּוֹמִיםthat resembleזֶהthisלָזֶהto thatוְאֵינָןand are notנִכָּרִיןdistinguishableאֶלָּאexceptבְּעִיּוּןwith examinationהַרְבֵּהmuchאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְהַקְרִיבָןto bring them closeלְאוֹרto the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampוּלְהַבְחִיןand to distinguishבֵּינֵיהֶןbetween themשֶׁמָּאlestיִשְׁכַּחhe will forgetוְיַטֶּה.and tiltלְפִיכָךְThereforeשַׁמָּשׁan attendantשֶׁאֵינוֹwho is notקָבוּעַpermanentאָסוּרit is forbiddenלוֹfor himלִבְדֹּקto checkכּוֹסוֹתcupsוּקְעָרוֹתand bowlsלְאוֹרto the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁאֵינוֹthat he does notמַכִּירָן.recognize themבֵּיןwhetherבְּנֵרwith a lampשֶׁלofשֶׁמֶןoil ofזַיִתolivesבֵּיןwhetherבְּנֵרwith a lampשֶׁלofנֵפְטkeroseneשֶׁאוֹרוֹwhose lightרַב.is greatאֲבָלButשַׁמָּשׁan attendantקָבוּעַpermanentמֻתָּרit is permittedלוֹfor himלִבְדֹּקto checkלְאוֹרto the light ofהַנֵּרthe lampכּוֹסוֹתcupsוּקְעָרוֹתand bowlsמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁאֵינוֹthat he does notצָרִיךְneedעִיּוּןexaminationהַרְבֵּה.muchוְאִםAnd ifהָיָהit wasנֵרa lampשֶׁלofשֶׁמֶןoil ofזַיִתolivesאֵיןwe do notמוֹרִיןinstructלוֹhimלִבְדֹּקto checkוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהוּאthat heמֻתָּר,is permittedגְּזֵרָהa decreeשֶׁמָּאlestיִסְתַּפֵּקhe will takeמִמֶּנּוּ:from it
This halacha details the Rabbinic decree against examining items by candlelight on Shabbos due to the concern that one might forgetfully tilt the lamp to improve the light.
הל׳ יז
פְּתִיחַת דֶּלֶת כְּנֶגֶד נֵר וּמְדוּרָה וְהַנָּחַת נֵר עַל גַּבֵּי אִילָןHalacha 17 · Opening a Door Near a Lamp or Fire and Placing a Shabbos Lamp on a Tree
נֵרA lampשֶׁאֲחוֹרֵיthat is behindהַדֶּלֶתthe doorאָסוּרit is forbiddenלִפְתֹּחַto openהַדֶּלֶתthe doorוְלִנְעלand to lockכְּדַרְכּוֹin his usual wayמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאthat heמְכַבֵּהוּextinguishes itאֶלָּאratherיִזָּהֵרhe must be carefulבְּשָׁעָהat the timeשֶׁפּוֹתֵחַthat he opensוּבְשָׁעָהand at the timeשֶׁנּוֹעֵל.that he locksוְאָסוּרand it is forbiddenלִפְתֹּחַto openאֶת—הַדֶּלֶתthe doorכְּנֶגֶדoppositeהַמְּדוּרָהthe bonfireבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁתְּהֵאthat should beהָרוּחַthe windמְנַשֶּׁבֶתblowingבָּהּon itוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵיןthat there is notשָׁםthereאֶלָּאexceptרוּחַa windמְצוּיָה.commonוּמַנִּיחִיןand we may placeהַנֵּרthe lampשֶׁלofשַׁבָּתShabbosעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofאִילָןa treeהַמְחֻבָּרthat is attachedלַקַּרְקַעto the groundוְאֵינוֹand he need notחוֹשֵׁשׁ:worry
This halacha discusses the restrictions on opening doors near flames due to the risk of extinguishing or fanning them, and the permissibility of placing a Shabbos lamp on a tree.
הל׳ יח
תְּקִיעַת הַשּׁוֹפָר בְּעֶרֶב שַׁבָּתHalacha 18 · Blowing the Shofar on Friday Afternoon to Announce Shabbos
כָּלAllמְדִינוֹתprovincesוַעֲיָרוֹתand townsשֶׁלofיִשְׂרָאֵלYisraelתּוֹקְעִיןblowבָּהֶןin themשֵׁשׁsixתְּקִיעוֹתblastsבְּעֶרֶבon the eve ofשַׁבָּת.Shabbosוּבְמָקוֹםand in a placeגָּבוֹהַּhighהָיוּthey wouldתּוֹקְעִיןblowכְּדֵיin orderלְהַשְׁמִיעַto make heardכָּלallאַנְשֵׁיthe people ofהַמְּדִינָהthe provinceוְכָלand allאַנְשֵׁיthe people ofהַמִּגְרָשׁthe outskirtsשֶׁלָּהּ:its
This halacha describes the ancient practice of blowing the shofar on Friday afternoon to signal the community to cease work and prepare for Shabbos.
הל׳ יט
סֵדֶר תְּקִיעוֹת עֶרֶב שַׁבָּת וּשְׁבִיתַת הַמְּלָאכָהHalacha 19 · The Order of Shofar Blasts on Erev Shabbos and Ceasing Melacha
תְּקִיעָהA blastרִאשׁוֹנָהfirstנִמְנְעוּrefrainedהָעוֹמְדִיםthose who standבַּשָּׂדוֹתin the fieldsמִלַּחֲרשׁfrom plowingוּמִלַּעֲדֹרand from diggingוּמִלַּעֲשׂוֹתand from doingמְלָאכָהmelachaשֶׁבַּשָּׂדֶה.that is in the fieldוְאֵיןand notהַקְּרוֹבִיןthe close onesרַשָּׁאִיןare permittedלִכָּנֵסto enterלָעִירthe cityעַדuntilשֶׁיָּבוֹאוּthat will comeרְחוֹקִיםthe distant onesוְיִכָּנְסוּand they will enterכֻּלָּםall of themבְּבַתatאַחַת.onceוַעֲדַיִןand stillהַחֲנֻיּוֹתthe storesפְּתוּחוֹתare openוְהַתְּרִיסִיןand the shuttersמֻנָּחִין.are restingהִתְחִילhe beganלִתְקֹעַto blowשְׁנִיָּהa secondנִסְתַּלְּקוּwere removedהַתְּרִיסִיןthe shuttersוְנִנְעֲלוּand were lockedהַחֲנֻיּוֹת.the storesוַעֲדַיִןand stillהַחַמִּיןthe hot waterוְהַקְּדֵרוֹתand the potsמֻנָּחִיןare restingעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofכִּירָה.the stoveהִתְחִילhe beganלִתְקֹעַto blowתְּקִיעָהa blastשְׁלִישִׁיתthirdסִלֵּקremovedהַמְסַלֵּקthe one who removesוְהִטְמִיןand insulatedהַמַּטְמִיןthe one who insulatesוְהִדְלִיקוּand they litאֶת—הַנֵּרוֹתthe candlesוְשׁוֹהֶהand he waitsכְּדֵיenough timeלִצְלוֹתto roastדָּגa fishקָטָןsmallאוֹorכְּדֵיenough timeלְהַדְבִּיקto stickפַּתbreadבַּתַּנּוּר.in the ovenוְתוֹקֵעַand he blows a teki'ahוּמֵרִיעַand he blows a teru'ahוְתוֹקֵעַand he blows a teki'ahוְשׁוֹבֵת:and he rests
This halacha details the sequence of the six shofar blasts sounded on Friday afternoon to signal the progressive cessation of work and the onset of Shabbos.
הל׳ כ
תְּקִיעוֹת שׁוֹפָר בְּעֶרֶב שַׁבָּת וּבְמוֹצָאֵי שַׁבָּתHalacha 20 · Sounding the Shofar on Erev Shabbos and Motzaei Shabbos
תְּקִיעָהThe soundingרִאשׁוֹנָהfirstתּוֹקֵעַone soundsאוֹתָהּitבְּמִנְחָה.at Minchahוְהַשְּׁלִישִׁיתand the thirdקָרוֹבcloseלִשְׁקִיעַתto the setting ofהַחַמָּה.the sunוְכֵןand likewiseתּוֹקְעִיןthey soundבְּמוֹצָאֵיat the departure ofשַׁבָּתShabbosאַחַרafterצֵאתthe emergence ofהַכּוֹכָבִיםthe starsלְהַתִּירto permitהָעָםthe peopleלְמַעֲשֵׂיהֶן:for their labors
This halacha details the timing of the shofar blasts sounded on Friday afternoon to usher in Shabbos and on Saturday night to signal the resumption of weekday activities.
הל׳ כא
תְּקִיעַת שׁוֹפָר וְהַבְדָּלָה בְּעֶרֶב שַׁבָּת וּמוֹצָאֵי שַׁבָּתHalacha 21 · Shofar Blowing and Havdalah on Yom Kippur and Yom Tov Adjacent to Shabbos
יוֹםYomהַכִּפּוּרִיםKippurשֶׁחָלthat fellלִהְיוֹתto beבְּעֶרֶבon the eve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosלֹאnotהָיוּwere theyתּוֹקְעִין.soundingחָלif it fellלִהְיוֹתto beבְּמוֹצָאֵיon the departure ofשַׁבָּתShabbosלֹאnotתּוֹקְעִיןdo they soundוְלֹאand notמַבְדִּילִין.do they recite havdalahיוֹםA YomטוֹבTovשֶׁחָלthat fellלִהְיוֹתto beבְּעֶרֶבon the eve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosתּוֹקְעִיןthey soundוְלֹאand notמַבְדִּילִין.do they recite havdalahחָלif it fellלִהְיוֹתto beלְאַחַרafterהַשַּׁבָּתthe Shabbosמַבְדִּילִיןthey recite havdalahוְלֹאand notתּוֹקְעִין:do they sound
This halacha details the laws of sounding the shofar and reciting havdalah when Yom Kippur or Yom Tov occurs immediately before or after Shabbos.
Chapter Summaryסִכּוּם
The chapter establishes that lighting the Shabbos lamp is an absolute obligation for both men and women, requiring a berachah beforehand and taking precedence even over Kiddush for the sake of shalom bayis. While we may benefit from the light, we are forbidden to perform activities requiring close scrutiny lest we tilt the lamp. Finally, the halachos clarify that the lamps must be lit before sunset, with women holding the primary role in this household mitzvah, while the husband is responsible for reminding his family to kindle the lights before twilight begins.
לְמַעֲשֶׂהWhat To Take Home
The Torah teaches us that the Shabbos lights are not a mere option or a beautiful custom; they are an absolute obligation, a fundamental part of our avodah of Oneg Shabbos. The Rambam writes that even a poor person who has nothing to eat must go door to door to get oil for these lights. Why? Because the light of Shabbos brings peace, clarity, and joy into the home, preventing us from stumbling in the dark.
But notice how carefully the Sages guarded this light. They forbade us from reading or doing intricate work by the candle's light, and they prohibited using unstable wicks or poor oils, all out of a single concern: "lest one tilt the lamp" to adjust the flame on Shabbos. This teaches us a profound lesson in our daily lives. When we have something holy and precious—like the peace of our home, our shalom bayis, or our own spiritual clarity—we cannot afford to play with fire or put ourselves in situations where we might easily slip. We must set up boundaries and safeguards before the holy day even begins.
This Shabbos, when you stand by the candles or prepare your home for the holy day, don't just rush through the motions. Take a moment to realize that these lights are there to bring the light of Hashem's peace into your physical space. Guard that peace by resolving to avoid any tense conversations or stressful rush as the sun begins to set.
Before Shabbos begins, consciously step away from any stressful or rushed preparations ten minutes early, ensuring that the transition into the holy day is met with calm, peace, and a settled mind.