Halachos for Erev Shabbos
1) The Shabbos between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (This Shabbos) is referred to as "Shabbos Shuva", as the Haftarah that is always read on this Shabbos begins with the words "Shuva Yisroel Ad Hashem Elokecha- Return, Klal Yisroel, to your G-d Hashem". This alludes to the fact that this time period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (a.k.a. The Aseres Yemei Teshuva (10 days of repentance)) are a most opportune time for Teshuva.
It is extremely important on this Shabbos to be extremely diligent in adhering to all the Halachos of Shabbos, especially in the Halachos of "V"Dabro Davar"-not speaking things forbidden to talk about on Shabbos (business related talk, idle talk, etc.). Being stringent in these matters on this Shabbos will serve to strengthen us all in these areas on all the Shabbosim of the coming year. (Kaf HaChaim and Birchei Yosef)
2) It is a Minhag in Klal Yisroel that the Rav gives a special Drasha (speech) this week, commonly known as "The Shabbos Shuva Drasha".
The purpose of this speech is twofold: a) to awaken the congregation to Teshuva and b ) to educate the congregation as to the pertinent Halachos of Aseres Yemei Teshuva, Yom Kippur and Sukkos.
The Drasha should preferably have a mix of Mussar and Halacha. (Maharil in his Hakdama ,Mateh Ephraim and Mishna Berura)
In many congregations, the minhag was for the Rav to wear a Tallis while giving his Shabbos Shuva Drasha,out of respect for the congregation. Others gave the reason that the Tallis was worn to protect him from the evil eye.
Most congregations today do not follow this Minhag, as they rely on the Tzitzis that the Rav is wearing to protect him (Elef Hamagen 604:22 and Shu"t Lev Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 99)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) The Gaon of Vilna,The Levush, Bais Meir and others were of the opinion that one should try and say Kiddush Levana this Motzei Shabbos, as we need as many Zechusim (merits) as possible before Yom Kippur (other reasons for this Minhag apply as well).
The prevalent Minhag is not to say Kiddush Levana on this Motzei Shabbos, and rather wait until Motzei Yom Kippur, as it must be said B’Simcha (with joy)
and we are not as joyous in Aseres Yemei Teshuva (due to the trepidation of Hashem’s upcoming judgment)
as we will be on Motzei Yom Kippur.(MaHaril , Rama, Mateh Efraim and Leket Yosher)
All agree that if he suspects that for whatever reason he won’t be able to do it on Motzei Yom Kippur, he should do it this Motzei Shabbos. Women do not perform Kiddush Levana (a fascinationg topic for another time)
2) Even one who isn’t stringent to wash and eat a K’zayis of bread for Melava Malka every Motzei Shabbos, should try and do so this Motzei Shabbos. This applies to both men and women. (Melava Malka every week is extremely important, and we will B’Ezras Hashem delve into those imperative Halachos when we get there)
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Important Numbers
