Most people use wax candles when lighting on Friday night, but is this the optimal way to light Shabbat candles? Find out on the latest episode of The Halachic Minute with Rabbi Ari Enkin.

Everything you need to know about singing "Shalom Aleichem" on Friday nights! What is the origin of the custom of singing "Shalom Aleichem"? How many times should each line be recited, and why? How do we deal with the philosophical and halachic problem of praying to angels? Should one say "malachei hashareit" or "malachei hashalom"? This and more is explored - in under five minutes! - on The Halacha Minute with Rabbi Ari Enkin (www.rabbienkin.com).

Many people enjoy starting Shabbat early, particularly in the summer; indeed, the concept of "tosefet Shabbat" - adding time to Shabbat - is halachically mandated. However, making Shabbat before sunset includes numerous complications. Should you avoid making Shabbat early? How early is too early? What about mitzvot that must be done after nightfall, such as Kiddush, the Shabbat meal, Sefirat haOmer, and Tevilah? Join Rabbi Ari Enkin for a discussion of these and other pertinent issues.

What is permissible and forbidden for a husband to do when his wife is in labor? Rabbi Ari Enkin provides the answer.

Rabbi Ari Enkin explores the fascinating question of whether there is a Halachic requirement to kasher new pots before using them.

Rabbi Ari Enkin explores whether the Ketubah - the Jewish marriage contract - is a Torah or Rabbinic requirement, as well as some of the ramifications of that classification.

Join Rabbi Ari Enkin as he explores some of the Halachic issues relevant to the Shabbat morning kiddush.