Shabbat Meal - Table with Four Legs
Question
Where is the source that the Ari, of blessed memory, said one should eat the Shabbat meal on a table with four legs? And should one follow this practice? Which poskim discuss this topic?
Answer
Shalom Rav,
The source is in Shaar HaKavanot by Rabbi Chaim Vital, who recorded the customs of his teacher, the Ari, of blessed memory.
This is not stated as a halacha but as his personal stringency.
It is not brought in the poskim as a halacha, and therefore it is certainly not obligatory. However, it may be meaningful for someone who wishes to follow Kabbalah to be stringent in this matter.
Answered by
Answers questions at Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Smicha "Yoreh-Yoreh" (2012), Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah
About the Rabbi
Source
Shaar HaKavanot (4b:1): I saw that my teacher, the Ari, was very careful and meticulous to eat [on the holy Shabbat] at a table with four legs, similar to the table in the Temple.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
Did you find the answer to your question?
Thank you!
Your answer has been received. It helps us make the search more accurate.
Opening the question form…
