Question:
Can you list all the ways a person gives honor to SHABBOS?
Answer:
Here is a list of some of the different things mentioned in the poskim regarding Kavod Shabbos:
- The table should be set from before Shabbos
- Beds made.
- Candles lit. Preparing the candles for Shabbos.
- Floor swept, and even if there are any cobwebs they should be cleared.
- The house should be orderly and clean.
- We should shower, cut our nails, and dress in special clothing for Shabbos (O:CH 262-1, M:B ibid 1,2,3).
- Also included is making challos for Shabbos, (Rema O:CH 242-1).
- Additionally, preparing food for Shabbos is included in kavod Shabbos. In fact even tasting the food to see that it is prepared well for Shabbos, (M:B 250-2, Chut Shani (Shabbos) 1 pg. 59).
- There is a difference between kavod Shabbos and oneg Shabbos. Oneg Shabbos are things we do in order to make the Shabbos a day of enjoyment. Kavod Shabbos are things that we do in order to honor the Shabbos and show that it is special. Oneg Shabbos in itself is also a form of kavod Shabbos, because we are eating special food to show that Shabbos is special, which is an honor to Shabbos. (Tanna D’bei Eliyahu 26).
- Any action that one does to show that Shabbos is special is included in kavod Shabbos. For example, having special Shabbos dishes is included in kavod Shabbos.
- Some people sharpen the knives (when applicable) so that they will be easier to use on Shabbos (Rema O:CH 250-1). Included in this, is to do whatever is necessary to ensure that Shabbos will be a calm, peaceful day, without friction in the house. This is because that is also part of the honor of Shabbos.
- When Buying things for Shabbos one should say that it is “L’kavod Shabbos” (Magen Avrohom 250-1, M:B 250-2). Additionally when doing things in preparation for Shabbos one should think or say that it is “L’kavod Shabbos” ( Gra”z 250-6, Shmiras Shabbos Khilchoso chap. 42, ftnt. 153).
There are even things that we don’t do to insure kavod Shabbos,
- Doing Laundry on Thursday is included in kavod Shabbos. This is in order to have clean clothes for Shabbos (Eliyahu Rabba 242-9) and to do it on Thursday so that there will be more time on Friday to do other preparations (Magen Avrahom 242-3).
- As a side point, The Pri Megadim (brought in Biur Halacha 249-2 D:H Mipnay suggests that the reason we may not eat a big meal on erev Shabbos is because it takes away from kavod Shabbos because we are eating a similar type of meal even on erev Shabbos. Also see Aruch Hashulchan 249-4.
Have a good Shabbos
