Each article starts from a real question and traces it back to the source in the Shulchan Aruch to understand it in depth. It presents what the sources say — never a ruling. For practice, ask your Rav.
Kavod and Oneg Shabbos: Honoring and Enjoying Shabbos
Honor (kavod) surrounds the day, delight (oneg) savors it. Who is obligated, and how far? The three categories according to one's means — and the teaching "borrow on My account," with Friday's preparations (Tikkun Ezra, kneading challah).
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 243Can You Rent Property to a Non-Jew Who Uses It on Shabbos?
Bathhouse, field, oven, mill: the answer turns on the custom of the trade and on maris ayin (appearance). When the non-Jew works "for himself" (sharecropping) it is permitted; when the custom is day-employment, it is forbidden — and when the bathhouse becomes permitted again.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 244Can a Non-Jew Do Work for a Jew on Shabbos? (Amira Le'Akum)
The amira le'akum prohibition and how contract work (kablanus) can lift it: the non-Jew acts adata d'nafshei, for his own interest. The three conditions — talush, not in the Jew's house, not public — plus building work and the printer, tailor and construction-site cases.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 245Going into Business with a Non-Jew: What About Shabbos?
Who is entitled to the profit made on Shabbos in a Jew / non-Jew partnership? The initial stipulation (hisna mitechila), the logic of havlaah (absorption), the matirin / osrin debate, and the modern translation for an LLC or a startup.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 246Lending or Renting an Object to a Non-Jew for Shabbos
You may lend or rent your utensils to a non-Jew because of shevisas keilim — but an animal is different. The three safeguards (handover before Shabbos, havlaah fee, maris ayin), applied to lending tools and renting a car.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 318Can You Reheat Food on Shabbat?
Hot plate, pot, hot water: the melachah of cooking explained. The concepts yad soledet bo, ein bishul achar bishul ("no cooking after cooking") and the kli rishon / kli sheni distinction, applied to today's kitchen.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 308Can You Touch Your Phone or Money on Shabbat?
Muktzeh decoded: what may be moved, what is forbidden, the main categories — and the Rema's rule of "touching without moving." The cases of the smartphone, money and keys.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 326Can You Shower or Bathe on Shabbat?
Hot water vs cold water, washing the whole body, face-hands-feet: what the Shulchan Aruch says about washing on Shabbat, and why the modern water-heater shower raises a question.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 247Can You Have a Package Delivered on Shabbat?
Amazon, USPS, FedEx: handing a letter or package to a non-Jewish carrier before Shabbat. The 3 conditions of the Shulchan Aruch — ketzitzah, kvi'us, time margin — and the principle adata d'nafshei that illuminates all the modern cases.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 261What Time Do You Light Shabbat Candles?
Bein hashmashot (twilight, a doubt), tosefet Shabbat (anticipating the entry) and the acceptance of Shabbat: what the Shulchan Aruch says about the precise moment of lighting — and where the custom of 18 minutes before sunset comes from.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 319Can You Sort Food on Shabbat? (Borer Explained)
The melachah of borer decoded: the 3 conditions of permitted sorting — okhel mitokh psolet (the food, not the waste), by hand, and to eat right away (le'altar) — applied to salads and sorting at the table.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 312Can You Use Toilet Paper on Shabbat?
Intimate hygiene on Shabbat: kevod habriyot (human dignity), wiping (kinuach) and the prohibition of cutting to a dimension (mechatech). Why tearing the roll is a problem — and the pre-cut paper solution.
Hilkhot Shabbat · Siman 327Can You Apply Cream or Perfume on Shabbat?
The sikhah (anointing) frame: pleasure vs medical care, the criterion mukhcha milta, and the prohibition of spreading (memareach). Why a fluid oil and a thick cream are treated differently.
More studies are coming — a new siman explored each week.