This episode continues the laws governing a child’s actions in matters of prohibition, with a focus on Shabbos and forbidden foods. It clarifies when a parent must actively stop a child, when others may intervene, and the limits of involving non-Jews. Key topics include feeding prohibited foods to children, special leniencies for a sick child (including on Pesach), restrictions on instructing children to perform Shabbos violations—even rabbinic ones—and how responsibility changes once a child reaches the age of understanding. The episode concludes with guidance on moral accountability, education, and corrective measures for harmful behavior, even when formal liability does not yet apply.

This episode explores the laws of educating children in mitzvot, focusing on a parent’s responsibility to prevent children from transgressing prohibitions. It explains the distinction between the role of the father and that of the court, and between biblical and rabbinic prohibitions. The discussion clarifies when a child must be stopped, when protest is required, and how a child’s level of understanding determines obligation. Special attention is given to actively feeding forbidden items, habituating children to speech and behavior standards, and the long-term impact of early habits. 

This episode explores the unique halachic status of the twilight period between sunset and nightfall. We examine which rabbinic prohibitions were suspended during this time, when and why exceptions apply for mitzvah needs or pressing circumstances, and which decrees remain in force due to their closeness to biblical violations. The discussion clarifies actions like climbing trees, swimming, carrying in semi-public domains, establishing extended walking limits, and asking a non-Jew to light a candle. We also address whether these leniencies apply only before Shabbat begins or also at its conclusion, and why many authorities urge extra caution at Shabbat’s end. 

This episode explores when vows may be annulled on Shabbos and why the general rule restricts weekday-style legal actions on a holy day. We clarify that vows may be annulled on Shabbos when they directly affect Shabbos enjoyment or mitzvah observance—such as eating, drinking, wearing Shabbos clothing, or sleeping. A key exception is the authority of a husband (and similarly a father) to annul vows within a strict same-day time window, even when the vow is unrelated to Shabbos.

The discussion explains the underlying principle: Shabbos is not meant for routine weekday procedures unless necessary. Practical cases are covered, including vows tied to prohibited actions on Shabbos, time-limited vows expiring on Shabbos, and communal bans that are customarily annulled on Shabbos due to logistical necessity.

This episode completes Siman 340 of the Mishnah Berurah, covering the melachot of Losh (kneading), Kore’a (tearing), and Tofer (sewing) and their derivatives as they apply to everyday Shabbat situations. Topics include making paste or dough from seeds, tearing paper or earthenware for a purpose, opening sealed letters, and practical halachic guidance on toilet paper on Shabbat—including allowances for human dignity when done in an unusual manner. The episode also explores gluing and separating pages or parchment, when tearing is considered constructive versus destructive, removing wax or glue from letters, separating unintentionally stuck pages, and common cases such as torn clothing, new garments, and incidental tearing without intent. 

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.

This episode examines the Shabbos prohibition of sewing, focusing on tightening loose threads and functional stitching. We discuss when pulling a thread to reconnect fabric constitutes a biblical violation, the role of knots versus multiple stitches, and cases where liability applies even without a knot. The shiur also clarifies rabbinic prohibitions, attaching items to garments, and the use of pins or stitches. Finally, it addresses drawstring-style sleeves and arm fastenings—distinguishing between prohibited tightening that resembles sewing and permitted adjustments designed for regular opening and closing. Clear practical guidance for common clothing scenarios on Shabbos.

This episode continues the Mishnah Berurah’s detailed analysis of the laws of writing on Shabbat, expanding beyond the Shulchan Aruch’s brief treatment. It clarifies when writing two letters creates biblical liability, including cases where letters are written on separate surfaces that can be read together. The discussion covers writing in abnormal ways (left hand, foot, mouth), writing through another person, destructive writing, artistic designs, appliqué letters, puzzles and letter games, erasing in order to correct or rewrite, and scoring or marking lines for writing, cutting, or construction. The episode concludes with practical distinctions between biblical and rabbinic prohibitions, including leniencies such as temporary fingernail marks used only as reminders, and why these differences matter for real-life Shabbat observance.

This episode explores the laws of writing and erasing on Shabbat, focusing on what creates biblical liability versus rabbinic prohibition. Writing is biblically prohibited only when a lasting mark is made with a lasting substance on a lasting surface. Writing with liquids, ash, sand, or on surfaces where the mark won’t endure is rabbinically forbidden but not biblically liable. Making signs in the air or tracing letters without leaving a recognizable impression is permitted.

The discussion also covers writing on skin, impressions on glass, congealed substances, and engraving versus marking. Key rules are clarified regarding erasing, writing over existing letters, changing colors, and when an act counts as constructive or destructive. Finally, the episode explains the minimum measure for liability—two letters—how intent affects responsibility, and why writing is prohibited in any language or symbol system.

A clear, practical framework for understanding what halachically defines “writing” on Shabbat, and where the critical boundaries lie.

This episode continues the laws of 'shearing' and then erasing on Shabbat. Topics include removing warts, scabs, loose skin, and dry lips; when erasing ink, wax, or smudges creates biblical versus rabbinic liability; and how much erasure constitutes a violation. We explore practical cases such as wax or stains on books and Torah scrolls, erasing in order to rewrite, and intention-based liability. The discussion then turns to modern and everyday scenarios: letters on cakes, children breaking lettered foods, designs formed by molds or edible substances, food packaging graphics, and words printed on the edges of book pages. Clear guidance is given on what is prohibited, what is permitted, and where common custom is lenient—making this a practical guide to erasing and writing issues encountered on Shabbat.