The Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles of Cracow, 1525-1572) records a custom to fold one’s Tallit on Mosa’eh Shabbat after reciting Habdala, in order to begin the new week with a Misva. This practice is relevant only to those who have the custom not to fold the Tallit on Shabbat, an issue which is subject to some debate among the Halachic authorities. The custom in Halab (Aleppo, Syria) was to permit folding one’s Tallit on Shabbat in the usual manner, on the creases, and so this custom is not relevant to those who follow the traditions of Halab.
It should be noted, as an aside, that Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869) warned that leaving one’s Tallit unfolded can result in "Kelipot" (forces of impurity) descending upon it. (This is likely the source of the custom many people have to shake the Tallit before putting it on, to rid the Tallit of any "Kelipot" which may have come upon it.) Therefore, one should ensure not to leave the Tallit unfolded if he does not need to.
The Rama also mentions another custom, which, while not being practically relevant today, nevertheless conveys a very important message. Namely, there was a custom for women to draw water from the local well on Mosa’eh Shabbat. This custom is based on a tradition that the water from Miriam’s well – the miraculous well which accompanied Beneh Yisrael in the wilderness – runs through all the waters in the world on Mosa’eh Shabbat. These waters have supernatural medicinal properties, and thus it was customary to draw water on Mosa’eh Shabbat in the hope of receiving some of this miraculous water. The Bet Yosef tells the remarkable story of a woman who brought water home from the well on Mosa’eh Shabbat, and her husband was angry that she returned so late. In his frustration, he angrily grabbed the jug of water and threw it on the floor. In the process, several drops of water came in contact with his hands. The man suffered from skin boils, and the moment his hands came in contact with these drops of water, they were perfectly cured, as the pitcher had contained water from Miriam’s well. If he would not have lost his temper, he would have been entirely cured of his disease.
This story should remind us of the importance of avoiding anger on Mosa’eh Shabbat. Just as the Rabbis warn us of the importance of avoiding anger on Rosh Hashanah, in order not to begin the year with tension and discord, similarly, we must avoid anger when the week begins, on Mosa’eh Shabbat, and this will set the tone for a peaceful and joyful week. Indeed, we recite special prayers and hymns on Mosa’eh Shabbat that speak of happy and optimistic themes, in order to set a positive, upbeat tone for the upcoming week, and we must therefore avoid anger, which would undermine our efforts to begin the week with joy and serenity.
