Shabbat is a holy day of rest, joy and rejuvenation of body and spirit. In the two renditions of the Ten Commandments we are told to both “Observe” and “Remember” Shabbat. It is a day focusing on family, community, worship, spirituality, celebratory meals, study and a respite from the mundane. As a weekly occurrence it is viewed not as routine but as a special and holy day each and every time. Shabbat is not created simply by a cessation from work. It needs to be actively shaped through what we do to make it a holy and joyous day. Reform Judaism allows some autonomy and creativity in its observance but like the other streams within Judaism emphasizes Shabbat’s centrality to Jewish life.
Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday with the kindling of candles. It concludes with the appearance of three stars in the sky and the recitation of Havdalah (a ceremony of separation) on Saturday night. To paraphrase the writer Ahad Ha-am, Shabbat has been a major force in the survival and vitality of the Jewish people throughout history.
18 Little Things You Can Do For Shabbat Ideas for Celebrating!
1. Invite friends.
2. Ask guests to prepare a Shabbat blessing, song, or story
3. Set a special table for Shabbat dinner.
4. Use a special tablecloth.
5. Arrange fresh flowers in your home.
6. Polish the silver.
7. Pour a nice wine.
8. Bake or buy a challah.
9. Give thanks for the blessings of the week.
10. Light special candles.
11. Read a Shabbat prayer…then read it again.
12. Say blessings over the wine and challah.
13. Sing some nice songs.
14. Listen to the quiet peace of a dinner at home…without phone, TV, or radio.
15. Take a Shabbat walk.
16. Be open to moments of wonder, of soulful encounter.
17. Pause for a moment as Shabbat ends on Saturday night. Sing havdalah !
18. Look forward to the next week’s Shabbat celebration.
