In this special pre-Shavuot episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the laws of rejoicing on Yom Tov (festivals) from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 103. He details the mitzvot to honor and delight in the festivals through special foods, clothing, haircuts, bathing, and festive meals, while emphasizing the higher obligation of simcha (rejoicing) that includes gladdening one’s family, giving gifts, and sharing with others. The episode highlights practical preparations for Shavuot, customs like eating dairy foods (with multiple reasons), reading Megillat Ruth, staying awake all night learning Torah, and important reminders about balancing physical enjoyment with spiritual elevation and avoiding levity or excess.

Topics Discussed:

• Mitzvah to honor and delight in Yom Tov (similar to Shabbos)
• Preparations on Erev Yom Tov: haircut, bathing, nails, baking challah, and eating lightly
• Requirements for festive meals, Kiddush, Lechem Mishneh, meat, and wine
• Shehecheyanu blessing on candles and Kiddush (exceptions on Pesach)
• Obligation of simcha: gladdening wife, children, and dependents with clothes, jewelry, treats, meat, and wine
• Special laws and customs for Shavuot: dairy foods (9 reasons), eating meat separately, reading Megillat Ruth (6 reasons)
• Balance between physical enjoyment and Torah study; feeding the poor and inviting guests
• Avoiding drunkenness and levity; the pious way to use joy for spiritual growth
• Isru Chag, Havdalah at the end of Yom Tov, and meal extensions across days
• Unique Shavuot practices: delaying Ma’ariv, staying up all night learning Torah

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The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen Lerner

• Download & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

This episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on May 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on May 21, 2026
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

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