Respecting The Shabbos vol.2 no.15

Our Rabbis taught us that Shabbos is likened to a dignified guest who graces us with her presence. As an expression of respect for our guest we are obligated to prepare our homes for the Shabbos accordingly. In addition we learn from the passages in Isaiah the appropriate condition of our personal appearance for Shabbos. The following are some of the areas in which this respect is properly displayed.

Before Shabbos begins:

1. 1. All of the floors in the commonly used areas of the house should be thoroughly swept and vaccumed and the walls and surface areas should be properly cleaned and dusted.
   2. The tables upon which the meals will be eaten should be covered with a presentable tablecloth. It is appropriate to cover all the table surfaces in the home with tablecloths. These should remain on the tables for the entire Shabbos.
   3. It is preferable to straighten out all of the beds in the house.
2. 1. One should bathe on Friday in warm and preferably hot water. In case of necessity one may bathe on Thursday night and even Thursday afternoon for the sake of Shabbos. In the short winter months one should follow this practice rather than bathing very close to Shabbos. One should, at least, wash his or her hands and face with warm and preferably hot water on Friday.
   2. One's hair should be of presentable length for Shabbos and one should shave or trim his beard before each Shabbos. One's fingernails and toenails should be properly trimmed before each Shabbos.

For the entire Shabbos:

One should wear clean formal apparel for the entire Shabbos . It is preferable for one to change every article of his or her clothing into fresh, clean ones for Shabbos. It is best for a man to wear a talis designated specifically for Shabbos.

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