|
CANDLE LIGHTING
The Sabbath (which we call Shabbat or Shabbos)
begins at around sundown on Friday with my mom lighting candles
through which the spirit of the day is brought into the home.
It is a special time filled with holiness and prayer.
|
PRAYER
Over the 25 hours of Shabbos, it is a good time to
self reflect and internally debrief.
We express our gratitude for all the good (and seemingly bad)
that happened in the past week.
|
|
|
BLESSINGS
Before we start the meal, my dad blesses each kid. I always go second,
being the second child.
He blesses the girls to emulate our biblical matriarchs
and the boys to emulate our biblical patriarchs.
|
KIDDUSH
Next, we make the blessing over the wine.
We are meant to feel like kings and queens on Shabbos
so what better drink to start with than wine!
|
|
|
CHALLAH
Challah bread is probably something you've heard of before.
We wash our hands and quietly sit around the table while my dad
cuts a piece for each person.
There are tons of different flavors - sweet, savory, chocolate chip..!
It's delicious!
|
MEAL
The best part.
Think thanksgiving every week.
A whole spread of food to celebrate the day.
Jewish mothers are notorious for making too much food!
|
|
|
SINGING
The whole point of the day is to be happy, relaxed, and connected to our Creator.
Songs have the power to calm us
and express our inner emotions in ways that words cannot.
|
WALKING
We usually walk to friends after dinner to hangout.
We don’t drive or use any electronics so we just hope they’re home
(it usually works out).
|
|
|
REST
Shabbos is simply a day of rest from the craziness of the week.
It’s a time for family and community bonding.
We play board games, read books, have lengthy conversations,
and lots and lots of sleep.
|
JERUSALEM
Everything we do over the course of
Friday night through Saturday night is directed towards Jerusalem.
Personally, it’s my goal to end up there one day.
|
|
