Title: The Shabbat primer
First published: 1993
Description: For two years, whenever her time permitted it, Nechoma ה ע
and I collaborated on a book about keeping Shabbat. Aimed pri¬
marily at beginners — women, men, singles, marrieds — it was to
be a guide to the practicalities of observing this precious, but
complex mitzva.
The following chapters would have been at the heart of our
book. True, the insights of experience of many resource women
contributed greatly to its content. But the guiding soul was
Nechoma's. She brought to the project her profound knowledge,
life experience, enthusiasm, and utter devotion. These, one might
say, were the prerequisites for the job, the credentials which made
her an "authority." But her special contribution lay in her unique,
typically Nechoma qualities — her humor, tolerance, all-embracing
warmth, and great common sense.
I brought to the project some writing-editing experience and all
the questions of a beginner. Essentially, though, I was Nechoma's
second pair of hands. While she mended, washed dishes, chopped
vegetables, and poured out her ideas, I scribbled down notes, later
to be written up, tossed about with Nechoma, and finally polished.
Unfortunately, our book was destined to remain unfinished. But
I have no regrets. Learning with Nechoma — just being in her
presence — was a great privilege and joy.
Through the chapters that we have here, Nechoma's personality
shines through everywhere. She advises on handling shy guests,
scheduling family laundry, involving small children, making Shabbat
as a single person, and many other topics. But the section I most
looked forward to seeing she never wrote. It would have come at
the very end of the book, and she entitled it, "Your Will Only?"
Nechoma knew in every fiber of her being that there is One
Whose will always comes first, and she ran to fulfill each of His
mitzvot. She was all of one piece. She had absolute integrity. And
her radiance lit thousands of hearts.
May these chapters serve as a memorial and a blessing. If they
help to enrich your Shabbat observance, that is just what she
wished.
Chana Ne'eman
 תשנ׳׳ג
Subjects: Handbooks, manuals, Judaism, Customs and practices, Sabbath (Jewish law)
LC classification: BM685 .G74 1993