Best Shabbos Prep Podcasts (2025)

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18. Lighting Shabbos Candles When You Are A Guest 19:11

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2M ago19:11

19:11

If you're staying at someone else’s home or a hotel, do you still light Shabbos candles? And if you do… should you make a bracha? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the halachic layers of being an ore’ach—a guest—and whether lighting in someone else’s space fulfills the mitzvah of hadlakat nerot. Drawing from Peninei Halakha, the Shulchan Aruch, the Rema, an…

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17. Neon Shabbos Lights 23:20

1M ago23:20

23:20

Can Shabbos candles be electric? What about fluorescent bulbs or LED lights? 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?By Rav Shlomo Katz

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16. Do We Light Before Blessing on the Candle？ 15:37

2M ago15:37

15:37

There’s a beautiful dance at candle-lighting time, but who leads first: the flame or the blessing? 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 whi…

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15. How Many Candles Do I Light？ 15:01

2M ago15:01

15:01

Is one candle enough, or should you light one for every member of your household? 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…

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14. Why Are Women The Ones Who Light The Shabbos Candles？ 18:04

2M ago18:04

18:04

Why is the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles traditionally given to women, and where should the candles be lit? 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.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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13. Lighting Shabbos Candles 10:00

1M ago10:00

10:00

Where did the mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles come from? 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 week…

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12. Can You Daven Mincha After Accepting Shabbos? 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

What happens if you accept Shabbos early, but haven’t davened Mincha yet? Can you still pray a weekday Mincha after taking on Tosefet Shabbos? Rav Shlomo Katz walks us through the dance between Torah law and rabbinic law, intention and obligation, personal timing and communal practice. From the flickering candles of Friday afternoon to the timing o…

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11. My Word Means Something 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

What is the proper way to acknowledge Tosefet Shabbat and actually make it real? 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. An…

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10. Tosefes Shabbos 21:00

2M ago21:00

21:00

Is adding onto Shabbos a luxury or an obligation? 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 tran…

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9. When Does Shabbos Begin？ 27:24

2M ago27:24

27:24

The moment Shabbos begins isn’t as simple as sunset. Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the halachic weight of twilight—bein hashmashot—and how it shapes the way we welcome in the holy day. We explore how this in-between time carries deep significance, both legally and spiritually. Because knowing when Shabbos begins helps us know ho…

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8. Irrigation System, Shabbos Clocks & Cruises 35:55

1M ago35:55

35:55

When it comes to Shabbos clocks, going on cruises, & even watering your garden, the world of Halacha provides for us a beautiful way of honoring Shabbos.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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7. A Holy Friday Afternoon 21:29

2M ago21:29

21:29

Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the do’s and don’ts of Erev Shabbat: what we should avoid in the final hours before candle lighting, and what we’re meant to embrace. 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 ho…

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6. Last Minute Preparations 16:11

1M ago16:11

16:11

Rav Shlomo Katz continues learning Peninei Halakha and covers the halachot and practical guidelines around last-minute preparations for Shabbos—what’s permitted, what to be careful with, and how to enter Shabbos with presence, even when time is short.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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5. Borrowing Money for My Oneg Shabbos 19:17

2M ago19:17

19:17

How far should you go to honor Shabbos? I 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 fal…

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4. Keeping Shabbos by Preparing for Shabbos 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

If Shabbos is a taste of Gan Eden, why does Friday afternoon so often feel like Gehinom? 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 in…

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3. A Day for Soul Expression 23:01

2M ago23:01

23:01

Why do our Sages consider Shabbos to be a taste of the World to Come? Because on Shabbos, the soul finally gets to speak. In this episode, Rav Shlomo Katz learns through Peninei Halakha to uncover how Shabbos gives voice to the neshama—a day when we pause the noise, the chase, and the pressure, and make space for what’s eternal. Shabbos is about re…

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2. Remembering Shabbos During the Week 29:42

2M ago29:42

29:42

Shabbos doesn’t start on Friday night. It starts on Sunday. 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 …

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1. Am I A Zachor Or Shamor Type Of Jew？ 40:03

1M ago40:03

40:03

Do I keep Shabbos or am I just making sure that I don't mechalel Shabbos?By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Unshackle Me! | Shabbos Chanukah 35:54

2M ago35:54

35:54

What if the deepest miracles of Chanukah aren’t revealed in fire, but in freedom? In this shiur full of heart, music, memory, and truth, Rav Shlomo Katz takes us into the light of Chanukah, the soul of Shabbos, and the cry of the Jew who just wants to break free. We journey from ancient Greek philosophy to modern academia, from Rabbi Mordechai Sing…

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The Opportunity of Shabbos Chanukah 31:11

3M ago31:11

31:11

Based on the teachings of Rav Biderman, we learned about the world of possibility and opportunity that Shabbos Chanukah offers.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Chanukah Prep - The Oil's Guidance 48:19

3M ago48:19

48:19

Based on a teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, we see how the nature of oil teaches us how to be a true lamplighter in the world.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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The Clarity of Zos Chanukah 48:39

3M ago48:39

48:39

Based on a piece from Reb Tzadok Hakohen of Lublin, we discover what becomes so crystal clear to us on Zos Chanukah.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Zot Chanukah: Give Me A Sign That It Was Worth It 41:21

2M ago41:21

41:21

What happens when even the holiest war leaves you broken? Rav Shlomo Katz opens a window into the soul of Matisyahu and his sons — not at the moment of military triumph, but as they stood in the newly reclaimed Beit HaMikdash, weeping. Two of their children had died in the war. And now, at the peak of victory, they turned to Heaven with a trembling…

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Chanukah: The Final Sealing Into The Book Of Life? 50:19

2M ago50:19

50:19

Why do Chassidim wish each other "gmar chasima tova" during the holiday of Chanukah?By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Have You Added Anything To Your Own Torah Lately? | Reb Tzadok on Chanukah 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

When it comes to Chanukah, everyone speaks about the Ohr Haganuz, the concealed light. What is the hidden light? R' Tzadok takes us on a journey like only he can.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Finding Crucial Answers In Your Child's Smile | Chanukah 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

What if the deepest answers to your child’s future are already shining from their smile? Rav Shlomo Katz invites us into a raw, real, and radiant journey through parenting, faith, and the meaning of light. Using the song “HaYeledim HaEilu” by Chanan Ben Ari as a living text, Rav Shlomo explores how the mitzvah of Neirot Chanukah — lights that we’re…

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The Calming Simcha of Chanukah 1:05:42

2M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Becoming Normal with the Simcha of Chanukah. Woodmere, NY Erev Chanukah December, 2022By Rav Shlomo Katz

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When the Candles Are in Front of Me | Chanukah 49:08

2M ago49:08

49:08

Based on the teachings of R' Ya'akov Meir Shechter December, 2016 Efrat, IsraelBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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We Are The Nissim | Chanukah 38:37

2M ago38:37

38:37

Can I stop feeling guilty if the miracles that took place to the Chashmona'im don't light up my soul, and bring out the greatest feelings of thanks and gratitude? Based on the Chernobler Rebbe and Rav Raz Hartman, we learned the depths of the second bracha we say on the candles.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Rebbe Nachman on Chanukah (Part 2) 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

Likutei Moharan Tinyana 2 - ימי חנוכה הם ימי הודאה An in-depth learning of the second teaching from the second volume of Likutei Moharan, where Rebbe Nachman takes on a journey through the days of Chanukah to delight in the world, to learning halacha, to the flow of blood, to childbirth, and much more.…

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The Shabbos Between Yom Kippur and Succot 49:27

2M ago49:27

49:27

With the help of Reb Tzadok, the Netivot Shalom and Rav Kook, we delve into the gentle and beautiful Shabbos between Yom Kippur and Succos.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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The Magical Days Between Yom Kippur and Succot 48:57

2M ago48:57

48:57

What if the most important part of Yom Kippur… is what happens after? Join Rav Shlomo Katz and explore the deep spiritual power of the days between Yom Kippur and Sukkos — a window of light often overlooked but filled with holiness and potential. Drawing on Chazal, Rav Kook, the Piaseczner Rebbe, and teachings from Rav Moshe Weinberger, Rav Shlomo …

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Going Into the Kodesh Kodashim with the Kohen Gadol | Yom Kippur 27:21

2M ago27:21

27:21

Rav Kluger brings us to the innermost point of Yom Kippur - the heart of the Kohen Gadol.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Not Noticing When My Children Notice Me | Yom Kippur 38:50

2M ago38:50

38:50

In this soul-stirring shiur, delivered during the Ten Days of Teshuva, Rav Shlomo Katz opens our hearts to the sacred intersection of Shabbos, parenting, and Yom Kippur. Drawing from deep Chassidic sources, personal memories, and lived Torah, he reveals how the everyday moments at the Shabbos table can become the most powerful acts of teshuva — and…

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Approaching the Candles, Approaching my Soul | Chanukah 38:19

9M ago38:19

38:19

Based on the teachings of Reb Itche Meier Morgenstern, we learned how one approaches the moment of lighting the candles, which is essentially the moment we are able to light up our neshamas. chanuka, chanukah, shlomo katz, chassidus, baal shem tov, shirat david, efratBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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Why Does It Feel So Good | Chanukah 37:06

9M ago37:06

37:06

Based on the teachings of Reb Itche Meier Morgenstern, we learned the inner depths of what lies beneath the light of the menora. bayam darkecha, shlomo katz, shirat david, efrat, channuka, hanukaBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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Rebbe Nachman on Chanukah (Part 1) 57:50

9M ago57:50

57:50

Likutei Moharan Tinyana 2 - ימי חנוכה הם ימי הודאה An in depth learning of the second teaching from the second volume of Likutei Moharan, where Rebbe Nachman takes on a journey through the days of Channuka to delight in the world, to learning halacha, to the flow of blood, to childbirth and much more. chanuka, rebbe nachman, likutei moharan, shlomo…

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Shabbos Chanukah - A Melechadika Shabbos 1:01:59

10M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

The incredible opportunity of the type of rest which Shabbos Channuka brings to the world, our homes and our minds. shabbos, channukah, candles, Light, lubavich, rebbe, shlomo katz, efrat, shirat davidBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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A Walking Menorah (3 minutes) 3:12

10M ago3:12

3:12

3 minutes on one of the fundamental principles of Chassidut - to be a walking Chanukiya chanuka, reb nachman, breslov, emuna, faithBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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9 Crucial Breaths Focusing on Chanukah Healing - (9 minute meditation) 9:07

10M ago9:07

9:07

A nine-minute breathing/musical meditation, ushering in the light available during Chanukah. chanukah, meditation, breath, shlomo katz, menora, candle, torahBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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The Avoda (and opportunity) of Zos Chanukah 33:56

10M ago33:56

33:56

How do I make sure I take Chanukah with me once it's over? chanuka, rav biderman, shlomo katz, efrat, torah, israel, holiday, light, shirat davidBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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Chanukah with the Siftei Chaim - Going into the Al Hanisim 23:41

10M ago23:41

23:41

an in-depth understanding of the Al Hanisim prayer chanukah, light, jew, torah, shlomo katz, al hanisimBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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The Unique Opportunity Chanukah Presents 43:54

10M ago43:54

43:54

based on the teachings of the Sfas Emes, we discover how in a certain way the holiday of Chanukah represents a far greater opportunity than other holidays that are from the Torah. chanukah, light, menora, sfas emes, sfat meet, holy temple, beit hamikdash, shlomo katz, efrat, shirar davidBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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Today's Hellenism | Chanukah 22:46

10M ago22:46

22:46

A teaching from the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, R' Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, regarding the deeper element of the war that took place on Chanukah chanukah, torah, helenist, greeks, holy temple, shlomo katz, shirat david, efratBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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Zos Chanukah - Find Pharoah, Show Him Your Menorah 42:41

10M ago42:41

42:41

zos channuka with the bnei machshava tova chabura Efrat December, 2018 Chanuka, shirat david, bnei machshava tova, zos, yomtov, menora, light, shlomo katz niggunim, israel, efratBy Rav Shlomo Katz

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I'd Do Anything To Become A Person Who Lives In Gratitude | Chanukah 58:44

10M ago58:44

58:44

What is the ultimate joy of the World to Come? In this luminous teaching from Likutey Moharan (Tinyana 2), Rebbe Nachman reveals that the essence of Olam Haba is simply this: gratitude. To thank, to praise, and to deeply recognize Hashem — that's the truest delight there is. And that’s why Chanukah, more than anything else, is about hoda’ah — givin…

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Rebbe Nachman - This World Is A Dreidel 1:03:21

10M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Based on Sichos Haran 40 rebbe nachman, breslov, baal shem tov, chassidus, philosophy, Judaism, Jewish, shlomo katz, efrat, shirat david, channukah, dreidel, sevivonBy Rav Shlomo Katz