For the week ending 10 July 2010 / 27 Tammuz 5770
Shavuot 15 - 21
- Sanctifying the vessels of the Sanctuary
- The thanksgiving sacrifices, psalms and music needed for extending sanctity of Yerushalayim or Sanctuary
- The duration of the first sanctification of the Beit Hamikdash
- When impurity is contracted within the Sanctuary and forgotten
- The time period for remaining in Sanctuary in impure state which necessitates atonement or punishment
- The similarity between mikdash and mishkan
- The long and short of leaving the Sanctuary
- Atonement for forbidden marital relations
- Some of the laws of niddah
- Impurity resulting from contact with dead rodent or animal carcass
- Oaths to do or to refrain from doing
- False oaths or one made in vain
Kiddush for Women
- Shavuot 20b
Although women are generally exempt from mitzvot with a time orientation, one of the exceptions to this rule is the mitzvah of saying kiddush on Shabbat.
The command to honor the holy day with kiddush is found in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Shabbat to sanctify it." (Shmot 20:8) The command to desist from creative labor on Shabbat is also found in the Ten Commandments: "Safeguard the Shabbat to sanctify it." (Devarim 5:12)
While there would appear to be a clash between the two commands, our Sages resolve this conflict by informing us that both Zachor (Remember) and Shamor (Safeguard) were said simultaneously at Sinai, something which only G-d Himself could do. This matching of the two teaches us that whoever is obligated in the mitzvah of Shamor is also obligated in the mitzvah of Zachor. Since women are obligated in regard to all transgressions — such as violating the Shabbat — they are also obligated in the positive commandment to observe the Shabbat with kiddush.
Tosefot cites a gemara in Mesechta Nazir which seems to indicate that the mitzvah to make kiddush over wine on Shabbat is not of Torah origin, only a rabbinic law. The conclusion reached by Tosefot is that there is definitely a mitzvah of Torah origin to say the words of the kiddush but the requirement to do so over wine is only of rabbinic origin.
What the Sages Say
"Whoever makes havdalah over wine at the conclusion of Shabbat will be blessed with sons."
- Rabbi Chiya bar Abba in the name of Rabbi Yochanan - Shavuot 18b
