Question:
I’ve always had this question and it’s always seemed so vague. How much can one spend l’kavod shabbos, in concrete terms? Is it possible to define? How do I know if i’m spending too little and lacking emunah? Or spending too much and using shabbos as an “excuse” to buy myself nice things? As a major fan of scotch, I could easily drop $2000 on a single 750ml bottle (brora 30 for example). I would never buy that if I didn’t believe I was being sponsored by HaShem, and guaranteed to get the money back, it’s way out of my budget normally, but on Shabbos I get paid back, right? So wouldn’t it only make sense for me to buy, and if I don’t i’m missing out for no reason, I mean it would definitely enhance my Shabbos like nothing else on earth.
On the other hand, something sounds off about that. I’m not sure why but I don’t think that’s the right hashkafa. The idea that HaShem pays for everything for Shabbos sounds really nice, but what are the limits, what does it mean practically? Thanks.
Answer:
Hello,
The rule of thumb is that whatever you, according to your financial situation, would serve a distinguished guest, is considered a ‘Shabbos expense’. It seems that you would not serve a distinguished guest a $2000 bottle of whiskey, therefore you cannot include it as a Shabbos expense.
All the best
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