Despite its frequent occurrence and apparently simple significance, the holy Sabbath and its laws are understood superficially by most contemporary Jews. The meaning and reasoning behind the prohibitive aspects of the Sabbath, for example, are often confused with a slavish adherence to the customs and practices to an outmoded era. In this volume Dayan Dr. I. Grunfeld, one of the greatest Rabbinic authorities of our generation outlines a framework for a comprehensive rational of the Sabbath, following the classic ideas of Samson Raphael Hirsch. Beginning with a basic explanation of the concept of "work" according to the Torah, the author outlines the 39 melachot (categories of work) and the Rabbinic proscriptions subsumed under them. Treating both its aggadic and halachic facets, Dayan Grunfeld presents a concrete, sound and inspiring guide to the practical observance of the Sabbath. In view of the friendly reception accorded previous editions of this volume - due, in large measure, to its clear and incisive style, which the average reader can understand and appreciate - this edition has now been published to fill an urgent need among English-speaking Jewry.
by Dayan Dr. I. Grunfeld