For the source text click/tap here: Bava Kamma 32
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According to Isi ben Yehuda running is not considered a normal activity, which is why someone who runs and causes damage or injury will be considered to be at fault and will be responsible to pay damages. One exception is on Friday afternoon before Shabbat, when running in public is considered normal behavior.
What might be the purpose of running on erev Shabbat in the late afternoon? The Gemara points to the practice of some of the Sages who would go out into the fields to welcome the Sabbath – a tradition that has played a role in the development of the Kabbalat Shabbat service that is customary in synagogues to this day –
Rabbi Hanina would say, “Come, let us go out to greet Shabbat Kallah Malketa – the Sabbath Queen.”
Rabbi Yannai would say, “Bo’ee kallah, bo’ee kallah – welcome the Sabbath as a bride.”
We explore the wonder mystical liturgical prayer Lecha Dodi.