Preparing for Shabbat (for first period)

(5) A person should order his table on the day before Sabbath, and even if he only needs an olive's amount, and similarly, he should order his table post-Sabbath, and even if he only needs an olive's amount, so as to honor it as it enters and as it leaves. And he must fix up his house during the day, due to the honor of the Sabbath. And there should be a candle lit, the table set for eating, and the bed spread, for all of these are for the honor of Sabbath.

(6) Even if one is a very important person, not accustomed to buying things from the market or getting involved in housework, one is required to do things that are necessary for Sabbath with one's body, for this is its honor. Among the original sages were one who would split wood for cooking, one who would cook or cure meat, trim wicks, or light candles, and some who would go out and buy things needed for Sabbath, for eating and drinking, even though he wasn't accustomed to such. And anyone who increases implementation of this concept is praiseworthy.

Candle Lighting on Shabbat is obligatory, washing hands and feet in warm water in the [Shabbat] evening, is permissible. And I say - It is a Mitzvah What is the Mitzvah? As Rav Yehuda said [in the name of] Rav: Thus was the costum of R' Yehuda bat Ilai: On Erev Shabbat they would bring before him a bowl filled with warm water, and [he would] wash his face, hands and feet, and wrap [in his clothes] and sitting in fringed garments [with Tzitzit], and would look like an angel of the God of Hosts. And his students would hide their fringes from him (for they did not have Tzitzit - Rashi). Said he to them:

Come, my Beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the Sabbath.

Come in peace, O crown of her husband;

Come with joy and jubilation,

Among the faithful of the treasured people.

Enter, O bride! Enter, O bride!