Halacha

Using Shabbat timers for operating lights and fans

Posted on 27. Jun, 2010 by buyitinisrael.

The Torah prohibits 39 activities on Shabbat. Included in these prohibitions are activities such as switching on or off lights, fans, air-conditioningand heating systems. A common practice today in Jewish homes in Israel and abroad is for the use of a Shabbat timer (shaon Shabbat) to perform these activities, where a timer is set before Shabbat and continues to operate on Shabbat without any human involvement.

Continue Reading

Observing holidays in your apartment in Israel: One day or two?

Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff.

As the Passover holiday approaches, owners of apartments in Israel will undoubtedly grapple with the question of keeping or exempting themselves from the duty to observe a “Second Day of Yom Tov”. This question has become more relevant given the significant increase in real estate purchases in Israel by Diaspora Jews. Can property owners who live in the Diaspora but visit Israel during Passover keep only “One Day” of Yom Tov or make only one Seder night?

Continue Reading

Why is this article different from all other articles?

Posted on 13. Mar, 2010 by buyitinisrael.

I find it fascinating that Jewish tradition and customs have such an effect on home design. Aside from the obvious: the impact that keeping Shabbat has; the location and size of the succa and its distance from the kitchen; planning a dining room to accommodate major shabbat and holiday meals, sheva brachot, etc., the event that really takes the cake is Pesach (Passover).