Question
Does Friday have any special holiness above earlier days of the week because it is closer to Shabbat? Does the day need to be treated with any extra respect? Are there any activities in modern times that Jewish law actually either requires or forbids us to do on Erev Shabbat in honor of Shabbat?

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I will soon be traveling to Saudi Arabia for business and spending 3 weeks there. I don’t know what to expect. What is some advice you have for coping as a Jew in Saudi Arabia?

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Are you allowed to swim in a pool on shabbat? If not, what is the reason you are not allowed? I have young children that enjoy swimming

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I have a question: If you eat dates in baked apples or grinded in smoothies do they have a special place because they are a special fruit and require the 3 faceted blessing after/ birchas meein shalosh (as we do after the 7 fruits of eretz yisroel)?

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Hi I would like to know regarding Shabbos. If you wake up Shabbos morning and have black under your eyes from the mascara (make up) which looks dirty. Can you wash it off on Shabbos morning with liquid soap?

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Can a Jew shovel snow off the sidewalk around their property on Shabbat if failure to do so poses a hazard to oneself and passersby, and there is no gentile around to shovel (and besides, it is a legal requirement)?

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Hey Rabbi, Some neighbors invited me over Saturday at nightfall to join them for “the havdalah ceremony.” Would you mind telling me what to expect so I can hopefully appreciate the ceremony? I’m sure they will explain some things but I feel better being somewhat prepared. Thanks!

Question
The local kosher bakery, which is owned by Orthodox Jews and is under rabbinical supervision and caters mainly to the Jewish community, sells cookies and pastries with the themes and images of non-Jewish holidays. How is this permitted?

Question
I might be on the jury in the penalty phase of a capital murder case. I could be one of the people tasked with making the decision whether the defendant who has already been convicted of first degree murder will get life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Does Halacha permit me to vote in favor of the death penalty?

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Dear Rabbi, Why do have two challahs at each Shabbat meal, and why do we cover them? Thank you and Shabbat Shalom!