The gift of chatzos - unwrapped.
So what does being ready for Shabbos by chatzos mean, on a practical level?
Even taking on ONE of these steps makes a HUGE difference!
The 5 W's: Who, What, Where, When, & Why?
Everyone. Yes, you - the geshikt homemaker who has a system, it works, and no one's going to tell you to do anything different.
And you - the one who scoffs hearing about people who are ready mid-day, when you're lucky if you light before shekiah and can brush your teeth before greeting the queen.
Chatzos is for men, women, working, homemaking, young, not-so-young. Head honchos, small fries, literally everyone. It's a huge mitzvah.
Chatzos Shabbos is a life journey. Getting on board doesn't mean you commit to being fully and perfectly ready every Friday at Chatzos. It means you're rethinking your weekly schedule, and you acknowledge that if you can find time Friday afternoon to peel carrots, you can find time Wednesday evening to do the same. And that chicken may taste better fresh, but marinading it overnight so it's ready to pop in the oven is even better.
And that meeting? That project with a deadline that you pushed until way too late on Friday? The flight that's so much cheaper but has you landing just a few hours after chatzos? Not worth it. You're pretty much guaranteed by a whole lot of really wise and great people that this will bring tremendous merit and blessing into your life.
Workplace, home, school - a Chatzos mindset comes into play everywhere we find ourselves on Fridays. Businesses owned by extraordinary people have traditionally closed early on Fridays, and lately we're seeing a comeback of that trend. (Looking at you, BP Print Group!)
Start Motzei Shabbos - set up the Shabbos candles. Then enjoy melave malka to hold onto Shabbos (and feed your luz bone). Then work on doing something small each day with intention of keeping Friday tasks to a minimum.
So glad you asked. Either you have a system and it works, or you don't have a system and you have no hope of changing it but you've survived until now and no one starved. So why are you still reading?
Clearly you're a deep thinker, and willing to reconsider the way things have always been done. Consider these incentives:
- The Imrei Emes says that getting ready for Shabbos early is a special merit and segulah to help children who have gone off the derech return to Torah.
- Rav Rachamim Attiya told his children to receive Shabbos as early as possible, as if anticipating royalty, “If you want Hashem to shower you with blessing, be exceedingly careful with the honor of Shabbat. Set the table already on Wednesday, and spend your whole week preparing for Shabbat, which is the very source of bracha.”
- Reb Aharon Leib Steinman, zt"l, said that there is one solution that can save a person from all troubles – to be mechazek in Shmiras Shabbos. “Be prepared early in anticipation for Shabbos Kodesh, it is a tried and tested seguloh that works for all problems.”
Love love love your Gift of Chatzos instagram, am having such a good time there now!
I really enjoy and appreciate your emails. It motivates me and I’m sure it does so to many others.
I have SO enjoyed your chatzos emails! I personally have been working on this for several years, and truly enjoy getting ready for shabbos all week long. One thing I found helpful and meaningful was purchasing some wonderful books about Shabbos and reading them throughout the week. So not only was I preparing physically but spiritually, too. Thank you so much for your emails and tips, I love reading them!
As someone who has been working full time and entertaining on Shabbos for years, I have lots of shortcuts. Many are the ones you share...plan, plan, and more planning. Menu plan on Sunday, buy whatever won’t spoil on Sunday, meat, and poultry purchased on Wednesday, prep everything on Thursday, and throw stuff in the oven or stove on Friday. Cholent goes up on Friday morning.
I’m so happy you are doing this again! G-d should answer all your prayers as you bring merit to all of us!!
I love the tips in your chatzos emails. I tried it this past Shabbos and did pretty well – will try next week and hope to do better!