Shabbat Rituals
In Jewish tradition, the world is created in an evolution of seven days: six days of work that culminate in the seventh day, Shabbat, a day of rest. To honor our origin story and take part in the ongoing work of creation, we celebrate Shabbat every week. Each Friday night, we have the opportunity to honor this sacred time with our family and friends through rituals, actions done with intention, and blessings. As you prepare to welcome this Shabbat, consider how you are receiving the gift of this particular moment.
You might be accustomed to lighting Shabbat candles in a particular way, consider shifting your practice this week with an eye towards welcoming your guests. If you will be lighting the candles before your guests arrive, perhaps arrange them near the door so your guests can also be greeted by the light of Shabbat. If you are waiting for your guests, consider how they might participate in the experience.
Baruch
Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed is the Oneness that makes us holy through our actions and honors us with the light of Shabbat.
CONVERSATION QUESTION
Traditionally, when we light the Shabbat candles we bring the light towards our face three times before saying the blessing. Think of three people or groups of people who you want to send light to this Shabbat.
LIGHT WINE
Did you know that Kiddush is not just about holiness but also about love? The text of Kiddush proclaims, “The Divine gave us Shabbat in love and favor as our inheritance.” In other words, the gift of Shabbat is a sign of love between the Divine and the Jewish people. The Divine gave Shabbat to the Jewish People, and when we celebrate Shabbat, it is as if we are saying, “I love you too.”
BaruchAtahAdonaiEloheinuMelechha’olamboreip’riha’gafen. BaruchAtahAdonaimikadeshha’Shabbat. BlessedistheOnenessthatcreatesthefruitofthevine. BlessedistheOnenessthatsanctifiesShabbat.
CONVERSATION QUESTION
What are the ways you uniquely express your love for others?
PREPARATION (HANDWASHING)
In Jewish tradition, water is transformative. Water is the substance which held the world as it was created. Water helps us to prepare for Shabbat, taking on whatever we no longer wish to hold, creating the space for us to accept the serenity of shabbat with open hands and open hearts.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al netilat yadayim.
Blessed is the Oneness that makes us holy through our actions and honors us as we raise up our hands.
CONVERSATION QUESTION
The handwashing blessing literally elevates the sacred work of our hands. What is one thing you have done this week that you're proud of?
BREAD
An ancient rabbi once said, “Without bread, there is no Torah.” When we take the time to feed each other and ourselves, we open ourselves up to the wisdom of the body and the wisdom of the soul. We are nourished both by the food on the table and by the people sitting around it.
BaruchAtahAdonaiEloheinuMelechha’olam ha’motzilechemminha’aretz.
BlessedistheOnenessthatbringsforthbreadfromtheearth.
CONVERSATION QUESTION
What kind of nourishment are you seeking this Shabbat? Where do you feel abundance in your life?
GRATITUDE
We bookend our meal with blessings: taking a moment of gratitude both before and after we eat. Most cultures only take the moment to express gratitude before the meal when we're hungry. Expressing gratitude after the meal is truly a Jewish innovation. Take this moment to think about all of the work that went into this meal: from farmers to grocers to cooks, right down to the company that made its enjoyment all the more delicious. When you eat and are satisfied, bless.
Brichrachamanamalkad’almamareid’haipita.
WeareblessedwithcompassionbytheOnenessthat sustainsuswithbread.
CONVERSATION QUESTION
How does celebrating Shabbat shift how you experience and express gratitude? .