The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Day, by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski

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The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Day
Customs, Prayers, Stories, Zemiros
By Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski M.D.
Shaar Press - Distributed by Mesorah Publications, New York: 2008
ISBN 10: 1-4226-0756-9
ISBN 13: 978-1-4226-0756-5

Reviewed by Simon Bonim - July 7, 2008

Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski continues his awe-inspiring series on Shabbos, with The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Day. The second book the series, this volume provides a wealth of inspirational information about this weekly holiday in the form of stories, prayers, Zemiros (songs), and insights into the various customs that surround Shabbos. Filled with insightful commentaries on the religious and cultural significance and the obligations associated with Shabbos, this book will not only make your Shabbos celebrations more meaningful, but it will increase your appreciation of this Queen of all holidays.

Whether you are new to the observance of Shabbos, or have been an avid observer your entire life, you will find much in this volume to enliven and edify your Shabbos experience. Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski is a skilled storyteller, and in addition to interweaving inspirational stories throughout, he also uses his narrative skills to explain the intricacies of the laws and rituals associated with Shabbos, crafting an eminently readable and understandable text. As well, all prayers found throughout the text are presented in both English and vowelized Hebrew.

This text begins with a brief introduction followed by a short discourse on Decorum in Shul. It then proceeds chronologically through the Shabbos day, covering:

Psalms
Shacharis
Reading of the Torah
Mussaf
Kiddusha Rabba and Zemiros
Minchah
Seudah Shlishis
Maariv
Havdalah and Motza'ei Shabbos

As with, The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Eve, the first book in this series, The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Day will remind you just how important Shabbos is, what it means to you, personally, and to Jews throughout history, and why it is so important to cherish and celebrate Shabbos to the fullest!

Related Reviews:

The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Eve, by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski.
An informative book that interweaves stories, songs, prayers, and customs as it delves into the beauty, significance, and the elements that comprise Shabbos Eve.
A Taste of Nostalgia, by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski and Judi Dick.
Tales and Recipes to Nourish Body and Soul: A collection of more than 150 traditional recipes that are accompanied by a treasure trove of soul nourishing stories for you to read and to share over the dinner table.

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