Drawing from Peninei Halakha, the Shulchan Aruch, the Rema, and the Mishnah Berurah, we unpack minhagim across Ashkenaz and Sephardic communities, modern safety concerns, and the deeper purpose of the mitzvah itself: the light, the place, and the benefit.

Rav Shlomo Katz dives into the halachic and spiritual criteria for fulfilling the mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot. What qualifies as a kosher Shabbos light, and why?

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the two primary minhagim surrounding the order of lighting Shabbos candles and reciting the bracha.

Why do some light first and others bless first? What’s the deeper reasoning behind each approach? And how does this moment which is seemingly so small, open the gates to the holiness of Shabbos?

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the halachic foundations and evolving customs behind Shabbos candle lighting. From the Mishnah in Bameh Madlikin to the teachings of Peninei Halakha, we look at how oil, wicks, and even Shalom Bayis all play a part in the flame.

We also unpack the minhagim of lighting two candles, adding for children, and what happens if a woman forgets to light entirely. A warm and practical journey into the light that welcomes the Shechinah each week.

Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha the deeper reason behind women’s role in lighting Shabbos candles, and the practical halachos that come with it.

Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the origins and halachic purpose of this cherished obligation.

More than just a tradition, lighting candles brings shalom bayit, oneg, and kavod Shabbat into the home, transforming the atmosphere and marking the sacred transition from weekday into holiness.

Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha how taking in Shabbos early isn’t just about lighting candles or watching the clock. It’s about intention, declaration, and honoring the power of your own word.

Because when you say, “It’s Shabbos now,” it becomes Shabbos. And that moment of commitment has weight in halacha, and in Heaven.

Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the mitzvah of Tosefes Shabbos—extending the boundaries of holiness by welcoming Shabbos in early and saying goodbye a little later.

We explore the halachic sources behind this practice and uncover its deeper meaning: how a few extra minutes can transform not just your Friday night, but your whole relationship with kedusha in time.

We explore how this in-between time carries deep significance, both legally and spiritually. Because knowing when Shabbos begins helps us know how to begin Shabbos.

Because how we transition into Shabbos sets the tone for everything that follows. When approached with intention, even the busiest Erev Shabbat becomes part of the holiness of the day itself.

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the halachic and emotional tension between wanting to give Shabbos everything and being honest about our financial reality. Drawing from Peninei Halakha, the Rambam, and the words of Chazal, we learn when borrowing for Oneg Shabbos is a mitzvah, and when it crosses the line into false piety.

This episode also opens the door to a deeper understanding of kavod Shabbos: clothing, cleanliness, and the quiet revolution of doing your laundry on Thursday, because sometimes the holiest preparations are the most practical.

Rav Shlomo Katz explores how proper preparation is not just helpful, it’s halacha. Drawing from Peninei Halakha, we learn how getting ready for Shabbos is part of keeping Shabbos itself, and how small shifts during the week can bring peace, presence, and joy into Erev Shabbat.

Shabbos is about revealing who you really are, and living one day a week as if the redemption has already arrived.

Rav Shlomo Katz learns through Peninei Halakha to show how the mitzvah of “Zachor et Yom HaShabbat”—remembering Shabbos—actually applies to every day of the week. Whether it’s how we speak, plan, shop, or prepare, each day draws meaning from the Shabbos it leads to.

With insights from the Ramban, the Zohar, and more, we uncover how living with Shabbos consciousness transforms not just the seventh day, but all seven.