10 Common Shabbat Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The Small Details Matter

Shabbat is a cornerstone of Jewish thought and practice. Yet even those who have been observing Shabbat for years may occasionally find themselves inadvertently making mistakes. Small but important details can significantly affect how the mitzvah (commandment) is fulfilled, and not everyone is aware of them. In this article, we’ll explore ten especially common errors, some of which may surprise you.

1. Wiping the Table with Sponges or Wet Wipes
   When cleaning the table on Shabbat, it’s important to avoid using sponges or wet wipes in a way that could cause squeezing. This may be considered sechita (squeezing), one of the prohibited forms of labor on Shabbat. It’s best to use dry paper towels or methods permitted by halacha (Jewish law).

2. Candle Lighting: Timing Matters
   Many people forget to check the exact time Shabbat begins and end up lighting Shabbat candles too late. Even lighting them one minute after sunset turns a mitzvah into a transgression.

3. Using Wet Towels or Cloths
   Drying hands or cleaning up spills with a saturated towel? Be careful. If the towel absorbs enough liquid to be considered “laundering,” it may violate the prohibition of kibbus (laundering). It's best to use less absorbent cloths or towels when possible.

4. Forgetting to Disable the Fridge Light
   Who hasn’t experienced that awkward moment when the refrigerator light turns on as the door opens? Be sure to check and switch off the bulb or set the fridge to Shabbat mode before Shabbat begins.

5. Not Preparing Hot Water in Advance
   If you plan to use hot water on Shabbat, remember to prepare an urn beforehand. Drawing hot water directly from a faucet connected to a boiler may constitute a serious violation of Shabbat laws.

Advance Preparation is Key

6. Carrying in Public Areas Without a Valid Eruv
   Many assume it’s permissible to carry items within city limits on Shabbat, but that’s not always the case. Make sure a proper eruv is in place, and avoid carrying muktzeh (prohibited objects) under any circumstances.

7. Misusing Shabbat Timers
   A Shabbat timer is a fantastic tool for managing lights and appliances, but it must be set up correctly in advance. Reconfiguring the timer on Shabbat is not allowed, even if it seems like a minor adjustment.

8. Forgetting Kiddush in the Morning
   While most people remember to recite Kiddush on Friday night, many forget that the daytime Kiddush is also a mitzvah in its own right and should not be missed.

9. Overlooking Lights in Bathrooms or Bedrooms
   Before Shabbat, double-check that all household lights are set appropriately. A light left on or off in the wrong place can be an inconvenience throughout Shabbat.

10. Ending Shabbat Too Early
    Shabbat doesn’t end immediately at nightfall. It’s halachically required to add a few minutes of tosefet Shabbat (extra time) before resuming weekday activities. Make sure you know the precise time before concluding Shabbat.

Shabbat is a sacred gift. It's an opportunity to step back from the distractions of the week and reconnect with Hashem, our families, and ourselves. But its beauty is found not only in the big moments, but in the details. By taking the time to review our practices and avoid common halachic pitfalls, we can ensure that Shabbat is not only restful, but spiritually resolute and deeply intentional. With greater awareness and care, each Shabbat can become a better expression of our commitment, our values, and our connection to something eternal.