Shavuot 2016 Halachot

Please see below a brief reminder of some of the Halachot, but please feel free to email or call/text us if you would like any further clarification. 

• This year, since Yom Tov is immediately preceded by Shabbat, we cannot start Yom Tov early. Maariv and earliest lighting at the start of Yom Tov / Motzei Shabbat is at 10.23. One should make Havdala or say Baruch HaMavdil before doing any of the acts which are allowed on Yom Tov but forbidden on Shabbat.
• On the second night Yom Tov, we do accept the second day of Yom Tov early. We start Mincha followed by Kabbalat Yom Tov at 7.15. Candle lighting should not be before 7.34pm.
• Generally one should not make preparations on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day - “Hachana”. For this reason, any heating of food, or even setting the table for the second day, cannot be done on the first day, or any time before nightfall.
• If, however, you are bringing in the second day early, as above, then you can prepare for the evening’s Yom Tov meal on first day Yom Tov, since it is eaten whilst it is still daylight, and still technically part of the first day. 
• Shehecheyanu is said both nights.
• One should try to invite guests, especially those for whom an invitation is not mere socialising, but for whom it really enhances their Simchat Yom Tov. The Rambam says: "One who celebrates but closes his door to the less fortunate, is engaged in joy of the stomach and not joy of a Mitzvah."
• If necessary, showering on Yom Tov is allowed, assuming an ordinary hot water tank system. As with washing-up on Yom Tov, a combi- or gas heater without a tank is a problem, because the rush of hot water triggers a gas flame or current. One must also be careful with hair washing (best just to stand under shower but do not rub or squeeze hair) and drying (best just to wrap the towel around your head and allow to dry by itself).

• Rabbi A Kimche – rabbiak@msn.com - 07970 389178
• Rabbi E Zobin – rabbizobin@gmail.com - 07929 630813