1. The Sefer Penei Shabbos advises that on Erev Shabbos one open all of the boxes and containers that he believes he will need on Shabbos. Although there are various lenient opinions which relate to various types of containers, it is best to avoid all of the conflicting opinions--for on Shabbos, we try to avoid Machlokes!
2. The Sefer Piskei Teshuvos (Orach Chaim, Chapter 13) states that before putting on one’s Tzizis or Tallis on Shabbos morning, he should not tighten the knots, and should not separate or untangle Tzizis which are significantly entangled. He highly recommends following the advice of the Bi’ur Halacha (ibid.), who writes that if you tightened the knots and untangle the tzitzis Motzai Shabbos when putting away the Talis, you need not check them Shabbos morning, and you may put on your tallis right away.
3. If one finds muktzah in his pocket, he should not directly hold or move the muktzah. Rather, he should shake his pocket inside out until the muktzah item falls out.
4. The Apter Rav, Zt’l, teaches that “When a person comes to the next world after 120 years, with the only mitzvah in his hand being the mitzvah of shining his shoes on Erev Shabbos in honor of Shabbos, and he sees the great reward that he receives for this, he will begin to wail and cry over the many great mitzvos that came before him to which he did not turn.” Remember--with your polished shoes you honor not only yourself--you honor the Shabbos Queen!
5. One should perform an act L’Kavod Shabbos ** in the morning** on Erev Shabbos (cutting your nails, setting the table, etc.) (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 250:1).
6. When is it that a woman lighting candles is mekabeles Shabbos? There are two opinions. The first opinion is, immediately upon completing to light the last candle. It is for this reason that many have the custom to drop their match on the candle tray as soon as they have lit the last candle--for it is muktzah, and they can no longer hold onto it. This is the opinion of the Ben Ish Chai, and to our knowledge, is followed in many Chassidic and other circles. The second opinion is that one is only mekabeles Shabbos upon making the Bracha of Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos. According to this opinion, one can physically extinguish the match and then make the Brocha. This is the opinion of the Aruch HaShulchan. Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, Shlita in The Radiance of Shabbos reports that HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Zt’l, followed this opinion. There are, of course, other differing results, depending upon which opinion you follow, and one should consult further with their Rav or Posek relating to this interesting and important point.
One final note: Many will not blow out a candle or a match with their breath at any time. Indeed, it is reported in the Halachos and Halichos of the Steipler Gaon, HaRav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievesky, Zt’l, that he did not blow out candles with his breath.
Important Numbers
