Day(s) to the Shabbat:

WHAT'S THE STORY? 39 MELACHOT GETTING READY FOR SHABBAT LIGHTING SHABBAT CANDLES SHABBAT MEALS FRIDAY NIGHT THE SHABBAT DAY SEUDAH SHLISHIT HAVDALAH MELAVE MALKA SPECIAL SHABBATOT GLOSSARY FUN & GAMES SHABBAT GREETING CARDS THE INTERACTIVE CD ZEMIROT WHAT'S THE STORY? "I have a precious gift in my treasury," said HASHEM to Moshe; 'Shabbat' is its name; go and tell Israel I wish to present it to them." (Tractate Shabbat 10b) REFERENCES A HOLY DAY "Shabbos" or "Shabbat" "Shabbos" - the Ashkenazic pronunciation, or "Shabbat" - the Sephardic pronunciation, either way it is the Hebrew word for the seventh day of the week; known in English as the "Sabbath." The root of the word means "to rest or desist." Shabbat, the Divinely appointed day of rest, begins (18 minutes) before sundown on Friday and ends Saturday night when three stars appear in the sky. (About 45 minutes to 1 hour after sundown.) The very first thing in all of the Torah to be called holy is Shabbat. The Torah states (Bereishit / Genesis 2:1-3): "By the seventh day, G-d completed His work which He had done... G-d blessed the seventh day, and He made it holy..." What is the holy Shabbat? We could spend hours and write pages of descriptions, yet we could not fully explain Shabbat. Shabbat has to be experienced to understand it. Lets go back to the creation of the world. For six days Hashem created the heavens and the earth. On the seventh He rested. That's what Shabbat is all about. Six days a week we go about our lives working and playing and doing what it takes to live in this world. But by the time the sun sets on Friday night, the hustle and bustle of the world is put behind us and the Shabbat celebration surrounds us. On Shabbat we don't perform any work. Instead, we proclaim that Hashem is the master of all creation. Observing Shabbat is one of the Aseret Hadibrot - Ten Commandments. Hashem simultaneously commanded that the Jews "remember" (Zachor) and "safeguard" (Shamor) the Shabbat. ZACHOR (remember) is the Commandment to observe the positive precepts of our Shabbat. We fulfill the "remembrance" of Shabbat through positive actions which honor Shabbat: · Reciting Kiddush (a special prayer over wine before the first and second Sabbath meals); · Eating three festive meals; · Wearing our nicest clothes; · Saying special Shabbat Tefillot (prayers); · Laining (reading) the Parsha (Torah portion) of the week; · Singing Zemirot (Shabbat Table Songs); etc. SHAMOR (safeguard) is the Commandment to avoid violation of the negative precepts of our Shabbat. We fulfill the "safeguarding" aspects of Shabbat by refraining from 39 categories of "melacha" (creative activity), which the Jews had to perform on weekdays in order to build the Mishkan. We also refrain from other activities, which may be halachically permitted, but are not fitting or appropriate on this special day. There are many customs and commandments regarding the observance of Shabbat. Its observance is referred to as Shmirat Shabbat. One who traditionally observes Shabbat is called a Shomer Shabbat. REFERENCES The observance of Shabbat is mentioned a number of times in the Torah, most notably as the fourth of the Aseret Hadibrot - Ten Commandments (Shmot / Exodus 20:8-11 and Devarim / Deuteronomy 5:12-15). Here are some references: "ZACHOR" "Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. Six days shall you work and accomplish all your work; but the seventh day is Sabbath to HASHEM, your G-d; you shall not do any work - you, your son, your daughter, your slave, your maidservant, your animal, and your convert within your gates - for in six days HASHEM made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, HASHEM blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it." (Shmot / Exodus 20:8-11) "....However, you must observe My Sabbaths. for it is a sign between Me and you for your generations, to know that I am HASHEM, Who makes you holy. You shall observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you; its desecrators shall be put to death, for whoever does work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among its people. For six days work may be done and the seventh day is a day of complete rest, it is sacred to HASHEM; whoever does work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. The Children of Israel shall observe the Sabbath, to make the Sabbath an eternal covenant for their generations. Between Me and the Children of Israel it is a sign forever that in a six day period HASHEM made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed." (Shmot / Exodus 31:12-17) "For six days labor may be done, and the seventh day is a day of complete rest, a holy convocation, you shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath for HASHEM in all your dwelling places." (Vayikra / Leviticus 23:3) "SHAMOR"   "Safeguard the Sabbath day to sanctify it, as HASHEM, your G-d, has commanded you. Six days shall you labor and accomplish all your work; but the seventh day is Sabbath to HASHEM, your G-d; you shall not do any work - you, your son, your daughter, your slave, your maidservant, your ox, your donkey, and your every animal, and your convert within your gates, in order that your slave and your maidservant may rest like you. And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and HASHEM, your G-d, has taken you out from there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm; Therefore HASHEM, your G-d, has commanded you to make the Sabbath day." (Devarim / Deuteronomy 5:12-15) back to top next topic RETURN TO MAIN SHABBAT PAGE 39 MELACHOT MUKTZAH MELACHA PLEASE NOTE: This is just a VERY BASIC introduction. There are many complex laws regarding Shabbat, and this is not the forum for decisions regarding what is or is not allowed on Shabbat. This is just to give the reader a flavor of the intricate halachot involved. A competent halachic authority should be consulted with any questions. Melacha (plural "melachot"). 1. Melacha refers to the 39 categories of activity that are forbidden on Shabbat. Melacha, is not "work." At least not the English definition of the word "work." You may not carry a needle out into the street on Shabbat, yet you may drag a heavy sofa across the room. So what Melacha is forbidden on Shabbat? The 39 categories of activity that are forbidden on Shabbat, are all labors that have something in common - they are creative activities that exercise control over one's environment. Specifically, the Talmud derives these 39 categories from the fact that the Torah juxtaposes the commandment to cease work on Shabbat in Shmot Parshat Vayakheil, with its detailed instructions on how to build the Mishkan*, and the preparation of its components, as described in Shmot / Exodus 31 and 35. *[Mishkan - Tabernacle; the portable, temporary version of the Holy Temple that the Jews carried throughout the forty years in the desert into Eretz Yisroel (the land of Israel), until they built the Beit HaMikdash] This is to teach us, explains the Talmud (Shabbat 49b), which activities constitute melacha: any creative act that was part of the mishkan's construction represents a category of work forbidden on Shabbat. These categories are forbidden by the Torah. 2. Toldot - Work which is different from that done in the Mishkan, but which achieves the same result. These types of melacha are also prohibited by the Torah. 3. Rabbinic Decrees - There are a number of additional activities that are forbidden by the Rabbis. There are several categories of decrees that prohibit: a. Activities that might lead directly to the violation of a Torah prohibition. b. Use of items not designated for Shabbat use (muktzah). c. Activities that might lead one to think that a prohibited activity is permissible (Ma'arit Ayin - The appearance of the eye). d. Activities that are not appropriate for Shabbat, even though they are technically permissible (Uvda D'Chol - [resembles] weekday activity). The Navi Yeshayahu (Prophet Isaiah (58:13-14) recorded a prohibition against speaking of business and against weekday-oriented activities. See below for many more examples. THE 39 MELACHOT Lamed-Tet Melachot Here is the list of the 39 Melachot (main activities) prohibited on the Shabbat: For more details about the 39 Melachot, click here. 1. Zoreah - Sowing (seeding) 2. Choresh - Plowing 3. Kotzair - Reaping (cutting) 4. M'amair - Gathering (bundling sheaves) 5. Dush - Threshing 6. Zoreh - Winnowing 7. Borer - Sorting (selecting, separating) 8. Tochain - Grinding 9. Miraked - Sifting 10. Lush - Kneading 11. Ofeh / (Bishul) - Baking/cooking 12. Gozez - Shearing 13. Melabain - Whitening (bleaching) 14. Menafetz - Disentangling, Combing 15. Tzovayah - Dyeing 16. Toveh - Spinning 17. Maisach - Mounting the warp (stretching threads onto loom) 18. Oseh Beit Batai Neirin - Setting two heddles (preparing to weave) 19. Oraig - Weaving 20. Potzai'ah - Separating (removing) threads (Unweaving) 21. Koshair - Tying a knot 22. Matir - Untying a knot 23. Tofair - Sewing 24. Ko'reah - Tearing (unsewing - ripping) 25. Tzud - Trapping 26. Shochet - Slaughtering (Killing) 27. Mafshit - Skinning 28. M'abaid - Salting/tanning process [1] 29. Mesharteit - Tracing (scratching) lines 30. Memacheik - Smoothing / scraping 31. Mechateich - Cutting (to shape) 32. Kotaiv - Writing two or more letters 33. Mochaik - Erasing two or more letters 34. Boneh - Building 35. Soiser - Demolishing 36. Mechabeh - Extinguishing (putting out a flame) 37. Ma'avir - Kindling (making a fire) 38. Makeh B'Patish - Striking the final blow (Finishing an object) 39. Hotza'ah - Transferring (transporting) from domain to domain (carrying) [1] The list of Melachot in the Talmud (Tractate Shabbat 7:2) includes salting hides and tanning as separate Melachot. The Talmud (Tractate Shabbat 75b) states that these two are really the same Melacha, and amends the Mishna by inserting tracing lines, as the twenty-ninth Melacha. These 39 Melachot are divided into six (6) groups: Group I = Numbers 1-11 Group II = Numbers 12-24 Group III = Numbers 25-31 Group IV = Numbers 32-33 Group V = Numbers 34-35 Group VI = Numbers 36-39 Group V = Numbers 34-35 Group VI = Numbers 36-39 Group I is connected to the field work. Group II is connected to the making material curtains Group III is connected to the making of leather curtains Group IV is connected to the Krushim (beams of the Mishkan) Group V is connected to the putting the walls of the Mishkan up and down Group VI is connected to the final touches of the Mishkan The 39 melachot are not so much activities as categories of activity. For example, while "sorting" usually refers exclusively to the separation of chaff from grain, it refers in the Talmudic sense to any separation of intermixed materials which renders edible that which was inedible. Thus, picking small bones from fish falls under this category. (Gefilte fish is the traditional Ashkenazi solution to this problem.) In the event that a human life is in danger, a Jew is not only allowed, but required, to violate any Shabbat law which stands in the way of saving that life. Some Mitzvot we do not perform on Shabbat 1. We do not put on Tefillin 2. We do not blow shofar on Shabbat Rosh Hashana 3. We do not use the Etrog and Lulav on Shabbat Sukkot 4. We do not read the Megillah on Shabbat Purim Sample Melachot - Activities Forbidden on Shabbat Watering Plants, Squeezing Fruits, Playing or carrying musical instruments, It is forbidden to read bills or secular papers. It is forbidden: To Cook, To Write, To light candles, To Mince (litchon), To Pick. Muktzah: PLEASE NOTE: This is just a VERY BASIC introduction. There are many complex laws regarding Muktzah on Shabbat, and this is not the forum for decisions regarding what is or is not allowed on Shabbat. This is just to give the reader a flavor of the intricate halachot involved. A competent halachic authority should be consulted with any questions. (Lit. 'set apart.') An object forbidden to be used or carried on the Shabbat and Festivals because of its not being fit or meant for use on that day. One must avoid doing anything on Shabbat that could lead to work - i.e. carrying money. As a result, anything that cannot be used, money, a hammer, etc., also cannot be handled. The broad term for such items is "Muktzah." This includes objects like tools, wallets, money, matches, cigars, electronic devices, writing instruments, tickets, candlesticks, musical instruments, and so forth. The main categories of muktzah are: Tools whose primary use is for work prohibited on Shabbat - for example, a hammer. Muktzah because of (concern about) monetary loss. This covers expensive items not ordinarily handled at all and items which are only used for work that is not done on Shabbat -- for example, the specialized knife used for kosher slaughtering. Muktzah in and of itself. Objects that have essentially no use at all -- for example, garbage, broken utensils. Muktzah because of prohibition. Damaged objects which one might be tempted to repair on Shabbat (thereby doing prohibited work) in order to use them -- for example, a chair with a broken leg. Muktzah because of a mitzvah. Objects whose only purpose is for a mitzvah - for example, the components of a Sukkah. Nolad - Newborn items. Objects that did not exist before Shabbat -- for example, an egg laid on Shabbat. (Source: R' Simcha Bunem Cohen, Muktzah: A Practical Guide, ch. 1) The basic rule with all these categories of objects is not to move or touch them, but the specific guidelines and exceptions vary with each category. The overall effect of observing these rules is to enhance one's detachment, on Shabbat, from the everyday world of activity. Forbidden Activities We refrain from other activities, which may be halachically permitted, but are not fitting or appropriate on this special day. The following activities are in accord with Jewish law but are not mandated: · Riding bicycles or skateboards, roller skating · Carrying pocketbooks. · Playing ball in the street or otherwise in public view (within an Eruv) is also included. Children under the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah may play ball in their yards; it is up to parents to weigh how their children's attitude to Shabbat is affected by playing these games. · Taking a nature walk or hike; · Reading magazines, newspapers or books. Permitted activities The following activities are encouraged on Shabbat: · Visiting family and friends (within walking distance of home and synagogue); · Spending Shabbat together with your own immediate family; · Synagogue attendance; · Hosting family and friends to sleep over for Shabbat; · Having family and friends for Shabbat meals; · Singing zemirot, etc. (commonly done during the Shabbat meals); · Reading, studying and discussing Torah and commentary, Mishnah and Talmud, halacha and responsa and Midrash. back to top next topic RETURN TO MAIN SHABBAT PAGE GETTING READY FOR SHABBAT "And it shall be on the sixth day (of the week) that they shall prepare that which they shall bring home." (Shmot / Exodus 16:5) Taking Challah Mikveh, Shabbat Outfits Shnayim Mikrah Ve'echod Targum Food for the Poor Tzedakah Set Shabbat Table   Shabbat is the highlight of the Jewish week, eagerly awaited with great anticipation. The countdown to Shabbat begins with the days of the week. Sunday is not called Sunday, Monday is not called Monday, etc. Rather, the days of the week are reminders of Shabbat whenever we mention them. They are named in Hebrew in relation to the Shabbat: Sunday is called 'the first day to Shabbat,' Monday is called 'the second day to Shabbat,' etc." (For more about this, see Ramban, Shmot 12,2 and Bamidbar 20,8). Shopping - Provisions for Shabbat Everyone looks forward to Shabbat. Business and social arrangements are made in such a way that they will not interfere with the Shabbat. Shabbat is welcomed with forethought and preparation. Little luxuries bought during the week are stored up for the Shabbat. The careful planning continues until just before Shabbat begins. It is a Mitzvah for every individual to personally prepare something each week in honor of Shabbat. In fact, the Talmud relates many stories of Chachomim (Sages) who made sure to prepare several things before Shabbat by themselves, even though they may have had servants and maids to do it. It is even recommended that one should arise early Friday morning and immediately begin Shabbat preparations so that they will be ready in time for Shabbat. One may even learn a little less Torah on Friday, in order to spend time preparing for Shabbat. It customary to spend more in honor of Shabbat, because the Talmud tells us, (Tractate Beitza 16a), that whatever you earn during the year is pre-designated on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, except what you spend to honor the Shabbat, holidays and money that is used for Torah education of children. These expenses are up to the individual; the less one spends, the less one gets in return. But the more one spends on these three categories, the more G-d gives in return. Thus, spending money to honor Shabbat is, in fact, a great investment for which G-d repays us much more in return. Here are some ideas to consider when preparing for the Shabbat: · Invite guests to join you for Shabbat dinner or lunch, - especially the needy. · Use something new or wear new clothing for the first time on Shabbat. · Plan a special menu for Shabbat meals. · Prepare for a Shabbat/Torah conversation at the table. Taking Challah / Hafroshat Challah Many women bake their own Challah before Shabbat, so that they can do the special Mitzvah of removing a small piece of dough called "Challah." A token amount of dough (the size of an olive) is removed from the dough and thrown into the oven fires while reciting a specific bracha / blessing. This reflects the portion given to Kohanim in the times of the Beit Hamikdash. (Bamidbar / Numbers 15:17-21). Nowadays, since there are no longer officiating Kohanim, the challah is removed and burned. This is one of the three special mitzvot for women. The Shabbat bread that we call “challah” is so named as a reminder of this mitzvah. For specific rules, click here. Mikveh, Shabbat Outfits We bathe, put on clean clothes and get ready to welcome the Sabbath. Many men immerse in a mikveh (spiritually purifying bath) Erev Shabbat (Friday afternoon) to honor the Shabbat. Reading the Parsha twice and Targum once on Erev Shabbat. In conjunction with the public reading of the Parshat Hashavuah - (the weekly Torah portion), our Sages require that every individual study it on his own and be familiar with its basic meaning. (Talmud, Tractate Berachot 8a, See O.C. 285). To achieve this level of mastery, they instituted a three-tiered review of the parsha: Each verse of the text itself must be read twice, to master the hebrew, followed by the Aramaic translation known as Targum Onkelos' so that it is understood. The name of this mitzvah is "Shnayim Mikrah Ve'echod Targum - twice the Scripture and once the translation of Onkelos." Food for the Poor We must not forget those less fortunate than ourselves. In many towns and cities across the country and in Eretz Yisroel, there are organizations that provide food and Shabbat necessities to the needy before Shabbat. Here in Brooklyn, we have a worthy organization called "Tomche Shabbos," which delivers food anonymously to sustain poor families through the Shabbat and Holidays. In Eretz Yisroel, Yad Eliezer is one of the foremost organizations, servicing the poor and the needy. Tzedakah - Charity "Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh." "All Israel is responsible for one another." (Talmud Shavuot 39a). It is customary to give tzedakah by putting a few coins in a tzedakah box before lighting the Shabbat candles. Many families place a special tzedakah box next to the Shabbat candle holders to remind them to perform this mitzvah. Encourage even the youngest child to contribute a coin or two! Of course, don't forget to remove the tzedakah box from the table before lighting the candles. (See Muktzah below). IDEAS · Clear out all pockets and wallets of change before Shabbat for tzedakah. · Place coins in children's hands so they can get used to giving tzedakah. Set Shabbat Table - Challah & Candles · Tzedakah Box · Candle Holders · Shabbat Candles · Objects on the Shabbat Table:     · Tablecloth, decorations, flowers, etc.     · Kiddish cup(s)     · Wine and/or grape juice     · Challot (two loaves or small challah rolls, pita)     · Challah bread board or plate with challah cover     · Challah knife     · Salt · Handwashing cup and towel · Siddur (Prayerbook) or Shabbat booklet that includes the Kiddush, Shabbat Zemirot (songs) and Birchat HaMazon (Grace After Meals). "Reminder List" for Friday Afternoon at Home back to top next topic RETURN TO MAIN SHABBAT PAGE LIGHTING SHABBAT CANDLES "If you will observe the kindling of the Shabbat lights, I will show you the lights of the redemption of the Jewish people."- Yalkut Shimoni "If you proclaim the Sabbath 'a delight'; the holy one of Hashem 'honored'.... then you shall be granted delight with Hashem..." Isaiah 58:13-14 With a blessing on her lips and a prayer in her heart, the Jewish woman ushers in Shabbat HaMalkah, the Sabbath Queen, into her home. For centuries, lighting the Shabbat candles has been one of the most significant mitzvot bestowed upon Jewish women. Tradition recounts the miracle of our Matriarch, Sarah, whose Shabbat candles miraculously burned from Shabbat to the following Shabbat. Our Sages tell of our Matriarch, Rivkah, who lit the Shabbat candles at the tender age of three. The Holy Zohar teaches, "A woman kindling the Shabbat candles, with joy in her heart, brings peace on earth, health and happiness to her family, and is blessed with children who brighten the world with the light of tradition." GUIDELINES Women light candles every Friday evening to mark the onset of Shabbat. In the beginning of Sefer (the Book of) Bereishit / Genesis, the Torah describes the six days of creation. After each day the Torah says "And there was evening and there was morning... " This teaches us that the day begins from the previous evening. Thus, Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday evening. Candles are lit about eighteen (18) minutes before sunset, since lighting fire is forbidden on Shabbat. (This is the custom here in the United States. In Yerushalayim, the custom is to light candles 30-40 minutes before sunset.) By lighting the candles ahead of the sunset and the new day, we eagerly borrow time from the work week to extend the time of Shabbat as well as ensuring that the candles will be lit properly before sunset. For the correct candle lighting time in your area, consult the list of candle lighting times at www.torahtots.com or those provided by the Orthodox Union. It is a custom that the husband or man of the house light the candles and blow them out before Shabbat, so that the woman lighting the candles will have an easier time lighting the candles. The candles should be lit in the dining area where the Shabbat dinner will take place in order to honor the Shabbat by brightening the festive meal. For safety reasons, make sure that the candles are out of the reach of young children, away from curtains, and are not exposed to an open window. The candles will not be moved or touched after they are lit until Shabbat has ended because they are muktzah, and during Shabbat, one may not handle something that is muktzah. It is customary for a married woman to light at least a pair of candles as a reminder of both versions of the Fourth Commandment in the Aseret Hadibrot (Ten Commandments - see above). "Zachor - Remember" and "Shamor - Observe" the Shabbat. Many people light more than two (either with multiple candlesticks or a candelabrum), some following the custom of lighting one candle for each family member and others finding another symbolism in a given number, such as seven (a Kabbalist custom). Single women living alone traditionally light one candle. In some families, as soon as a young girl can grasp the idea of Shabbat and is able to recite the brachot / blessings (about three years old), her mother teaches her to light her own candle. The child lights her candle first, with her mother present in case she needs assistance. Although the mother of a family or the women present customarily lights the candles, it is a household requirement. A man living alone or away from home should light the candles and say the blessing over them. Similarly, in the absence of a woman or when a woman is too ill to do so, the man present is required to light candles. The time of lighting is considered especially auspicious for praying to G-d for health and sustenance. These prayers are readily acceptable because they are offered during the performance of this great mitzvah. COVERING THE EYES Have you ever wondered why a woman lights the candles, then covers (closes) her eyes while reciting the bracha / blessing on the Shabbat candles? The reason is, that generally, Brachot / blessings are recited before a Mitzvah is performed. (Case in point, you say the bracha on the Matzah and then you eat the Matzah; On Sukkot, you say the Bracha "Al Netilat Lulav," and then shake the Lulav and Etrog in six directions), However, in the case of the Shabbat candles, once the woman makes the bracha, she has already accepted the Shabbat and its restrictions upon herself. In that case, she would no longer be allowed to light the Shabbat candles. Therefore, the woman lights the candles before saying the bracha, while it is not yet Shabbat. But in order for her to fulfill the concept of saying the bracha before the act, she does so by not completing the mitzvah entirely until after saying the bracha. Here's how: After lighting the candles, she immediately covers her eyes. She then says the bracha and only afterwards uncovers her eyes and enjoys the candlelight. This way, she has fulfilled the concept of saying the bracha before the act, since the act of lighting is not complete until she actually enjoys the light. That is the technical reason. Practically, covering the eyes helps one to concentrate better on the bracha and the silent techinot / prayers that are said at that time - prayers for health, wealth and all good things. HERE'S HOW IT'S DONE: Light the candles - Two candles (minimum) are lit,   Spread your hands around the flames and draw them inward towards the face, in a circular motion, symbolically drawing in the light of the candles and the sanctity of the Sabbath. Some do it three times. Then cover your eyes and recite the following bracha / blessing: Please note that this page contain the name of G-d. If you print it out, please treat it with appropriate respect. Baruch A-tah A-do-nai, Eh-lo-hay-nu Meh-lech Ha-olam, Asher Ki'-de-sha-nu B'-mitz-vo-tov, V' tzi-vanu L'-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat. Blessed are You, HASHEM our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Shabbat. FOR A PRINT COPY CLICK HERE You can also add your own techina / prayer - ask G-d for whatever you wish. Uncover your eyes, and gaze briefly at soft light of the candles, enjoy the light, and feel the holiness of the Shabbat descend upon you and your household. Wish everyone present "Shabbat Shalom." This techina / prayer is traditionally said by women after candlelighting. The words in brackets are included as they apply. Please note that this page contain the name of G-d. If you print it out, please treat it with appropriate respect. May it be Your will HASHEM, my G-d and G-d of my forefathers, that You show favor to me [my husband, my sons, my daughters, my father, my mother] and all my relatives; and that You grant us and all Israel a good and long life; that You remember us with a beneficent memory and blessing; that You consider us with a consideration of salvation and compassion; that You bless us with great blessings; that You make our households complete; that You cause Your Presence to dwell among us. Privilege me to raise children and grandchildren who are wise and understanding, who love HASHEM and fear G-d, people of truth, holy offspring, attached to HASHEM, who illuminate the world with Torah and good deeds and with every labor in the service of the Creator. Please, hear my supplication at this time, in the merit of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, our mothers, and cause our light to illuminate that it be not extinguished forever, and let Your countenance shine so that we are saved. Amen. FOR A PRINT COPY CLICK HERE The kindling of Shabbat lights with a bracha designates the beginning of Shabbat (for the person lighting the candles). Of course, by nightfall, Shabbat will have arrived, in any case, for it does not depend on the actions of Man. For a streaming video demonstration of how to light Shabbat candles (using the Ashkenazic/European Hebrew pronunciation) click here. back to top next topic RETURN TO MAIN SHABBAT PAGE SHABBAT MEALS 3 Meals Shabbat - The Ingredient Lechem Mishneh Divrei Torah Zemirot "A semblance of the World-to-Come is the Day of Shabbat." (Shabbat Zemirot) The Shabbat Meals On Shabbat we have Shalosh Seudot - three meals: The opening Friday night dinner after the Synagogue service, The Shabbat noonday meal, and Seudat Shlishit - the third meal, generally a light repast served after Mincha services and before sundown. The Talmud (Shabbat 117b-118a) relates this to the pasuk in Shmot, Parshat Beshalach, (16:25): "Moshe said, "Eat it (the Manna) today, for today is a Shabbat for HASHEM; today you shall not find it in the field." The threefold use of the word HAYOM (today) in reference to eating the Manna is the basis for the rule requiring three meals on Shabbat. One possible explanation for the frequency and amount of food eaten on Shabbat is that on Shabbat every Jew gets a 'neshamah yetairah' - an extra soul that descends from heaven. This soul needs feeding too. Just kidding. The traditional Friday evening Shabbat meal includes some kind of fish, soup and chicken or meat. The custom to eat fish is to remind us of the mercies of Hashem. Fish have no eyelids, so that their eyes are never closed; so too are the eyes of Hashem open at all times to watch over those who fear Him. The traditional gefilte fish does not require that bones be removed, a form of separation forbidden on Shabbat. Some have a custom to eat some kind of kugel ([usually noodle or potato] pudding) on Shabbat. Shabbat - the Ingredient A story about the special quality of Shabbat foods, from the Talmud, Tractate Shabbat 119a: Caesar once said to R' Yehoshua ben Chananya: "Why is it that the food cooked for the Shabbat has such a penetrating aroma?" [R' Yehoshua] answered him: "We have this one spice, it is called Shabbat, which we throw into [the Shabbat food], and its aroma is very penetrating." [Caesar] said to him: "Give us some of it." [R' Yehoshua] said to him; "Whoever observes the Shabbat, for him [the spice] is effective; but for one who does not observes the Shabbat, it is not effective." Another story from the Midrash: R' Yehudah HaNassi (Rabbi Judah the Prince) prepared a meal for the Roman King Antonius. It was on a Shabbat and R' Yehudah served him cold foods. A few days later, the rabbi prepared another meal for the king. This time the meal took place on a weekday and hot dishes were served. The Roman king was satisfied with both meals, but he had liked the Shabbat meal better. He said to the rabbi: "You served both a cold and a hot meal, but strangely enough I like the cold dishes much better." "I am not at all surprised at this," answered the rabbi. "The cold dishes contained an ingredient which the hot dishes did not." "Why did you not put this ingredient also into the hot dishes?" Antonius asked. "Even if it is very expensive, you should have bought it for me. I would have gladly refunded you the money." The rabbi replied: "The ingredient I refer to cannot be bought on weekdays. Its name is Shabbat. Shabbat adds an extra flavor to all dishes, and so they taste much better than on weekdays." Lechem Mishneh - Two Challot The Blessing of HaMotzi over two Loaves of Bread - Lechem Mishneh The grandeur and finery at the Shabbat table makes it clearly distinguishable from any weekday setting. Its crowning glory is the Lechem Mishneh - two braided challot covered with a beautiful cloth. This centerpiece sets the Shabbat (and Yom Tov) seudot (meals) apart from other dining experiences. The tradition of "Lechem Mishneh" has its roots In Shmot / Exodus, Parshat Beshalach, (16:4) where the Torah relates how Hashem provided the Bnei Yisroel (children of Israel) with 'manna' - 'bread from heaven'. Hashem told Moshe, "I shall rain down for you bread (food) from heaven; let the people go out and gather each day's portion on its day, so that I can test them, (to see) whether they will follow My teaching or not." For forty years, while the Jews wandered through the desert, Hashem provided them with Manna, a miraculous nutritious food that could be prepared to taste like any food your heart desired. The manna came down each morning, covered with a layer of dew. The Bnei Yisroel were commanded to gather only "one omer" (a standard measure of the time - the volume of about 43 eggs) for each member of the household. Those who tried to gather more than their share quickly learned that no matter how much manna a person collected, when they brought it home it amounted to exactly "one Omer" per person. You couldn't save it either; any manna left over to the next day spoiled. This was fine for weekdays. But what about Shabbat? The Manna didn't fall on Shabbat. Every Friday, they received a double portion of manna in honor of the Shabbat. And it did not spoil overnight. The two Challot that we place on the Shabbat table commemorate the double portion of manna that fell every Erev Shabbat for forty years while the Jewish people were traveling in the desert. We cover the Challah to commemorate the layer of dew that covered the manna every morning. Divrei Torah (Torah Discussions) The Talmud Tractate Megillah 12b states, that when Jewish people eat and drink, they begin with words of Torah and words of praise; Shabbat meals provide a great opportunity for family and friends to share Divrei Torah (Torah discussions), usually relating to the Parsha - the Torah Portion of the Week, which is read in the Synagogue Shabbat morning. Many children attending Yeshivot and Jewish Day Schools come home on Friday with 'Parsha sheets,' usually containing a brief summary of this Torah portion, and often come with Divrei Torah and a list of discussion questions parents can review with their children. Many children are very anxious to show off their newly acquired knowledge at each Shabbat meal. "Parsha on Parade," Torahtot's own famous "Weekly Torah Newsletter for Kids" can also form the basis for very lively discussion. Zemirot (Sabbath Songs) The words of praise mentioned in the Talmud are the Zemirot, the Ashkenzic word for the table hymn sung during or directly after the Shabbat meals. Sefer Chasidim considers the singing of zemirot as a mitzvah. Zemirot which date from as far back as the 10th Century have achieved prominence and are printed in most siddurs, composed by great Torah scholars and Kabbalists. Their melody fills the air with delight, and their lofty poetry lifts our hearts in praise of Hashem for giving us the treasured gift: Shabbat! Many also sing modern Israeli or Hebrew songs. At the end of the meal, as required after every meal (not just on Shabbat), where bread is eaten, the Birchat Hamazon, Grace after Meals, is recited. We add two special prayers - "R'tzei V'Hachalitzeinu" & "Harachaman." back to top next topic RETURN TO MAIN SHABBAT PAGE FRIDAY NIGHT Prayers Sholom Aleichem Aishet Chayil Blessing the Children Kiddush Netilat Yadayim HaMotzi Prayers (Kaballat Shabbat - Welcoming the Shabbat and Maariv- the Evening Service). Kaballat Shabbat - The introductory portion of the Friday evening services welcoming the Shabbat, includes Psalms, readings and songs, the most famous is the ... Lecha Dodi - Come my Beloved The popular mystical song to the Shabbat was composed by the sixteenth century kabbalist Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz (c. 5260--5340 / 1500--1580 CE), teacher and brother-in-law of the famed kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Codovero. He based the song; "Lecha Dodi Likrat Kallah, - Come, my beloved, to meet the [Sabbath] bride, Penei Shabbat Nekabla, - The face of the Shabbat Queen we will receive." on the description in the Talmud, (Shabbat 119a) of the Sages joyous greeting of the Shabbat: "Rabbi Chanina would wrap himself in his cloak and say, “Come, let us go and greet the Shabbat Queen.” Rabbi Yannai would don his robe and say, “Enter O bride! Enter, O bride!” The holy Ari Z'l included this hymn in his edition of the siddur, and thus it eventually became an integral part of the Shabbat liturgy of Jewish communities everywhere. Sholom Aleichem This song of praise, sung on Friday evening is based on the Talmudic passage (Shabbat 119b) which teaches that a good angel and an evil angel accompany every man home from the synagogue on Friday evening. If they find the house in good order with the Shabbat table set festively bedecked with glowing candles and the family dressed in their best, the good angel says, "May the next Shabbat be as this one," and the evil angel must respond, "Amen, may it be so." If on the other hand, they find the reverse, the house is not fit for the welcoming of royalty (the Shabbat Queen), the evil angel says "May the next Shabbat be as this one," and the good angel must unfortunately answer, "Amen." It is only proper to greet the two angels, bless them, and seek their blessing. Aishet Chayil From "A Taste of Judaism - From A to Z" Aishet Chayil (Al. Eishet, Eshet) (Lit. 'The Woman of Valour. An Accomplished woman'). Song/Poem written by Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon). The poem has an acrostic arrangement in which the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in regular order. Traditionally sung Friday night, between "Shalom Aleichem" and the Blessing of the Children prior to the Shabbat meal. Aishet Chayil consists of the concluding twenty-two verses of Mishlei / Proverbs (31:10-31), which, on the surface, is a hymn to the perfect wife who is the mainstay of her home. She is trusted by her husband, obeyed by her servants, and admired by her people. She is kind to the poor and gentle to all. She is self-respecting and dignified. Husband and children praise her as the source of their happiness. Her goal in life is to foster the growth of Torah knowledge and good deeds in her husband and children---her ultimate accomplishment. Rab' Yitzchak ben Nechemiah says in Yalkut Mishlei: "Just as Hashem gave the Torah to Israel by means of the 22 letters of the Alef-Bet, so He praises the righteous woman by means of the 22 letters." Although the Commentators agree that the chapter is allegorical - it is variously interpreted: as a reference to the Shechinah, (divine presence), the Sabbath, the Torah, wisdom, and the soul. The very fact that the Jewish woman was chosen as the vehicle through which to describe such lofty spiritual manifestations is in itself a profound tribute to her. Blessing the Children The beginning of Shabbat is a particularly appropriate time to bless the children. It is customary to bless children of all ages, either in the synagogue after services or on returning home before Kiddush. Both hands are laid on the head of the child to symbolize a blessing imparted with complete generosity of spirit. For a boy: May G-d make you like Efraim and Menashe. For a girl: May G-d make you like Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah. For both: May Hashem bless you and protect you. May Hashem cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May Hashem raise His face to you and establish peace for you. FOR A PRINT COPY CLICK HERE Kiddush To sanctify the Shabbat, Friday evening's dinner and Shabbat lunch begin with Kiddush, a testament to Hashem's creation of the world. Kiddush is recited over wine (or grape juice) because wine "gladdens a man's heart" (Psalms 104:15) and wine is the substance designated for singing the praises of Hashem (Talmud, Tractate Brachot 35a). Some Laws of Kiddush 1. The goblet should be beautiful, usually a silver cup reserved for this purpose, which holds at least 4 1/2 liquid ounces. It should be filled to the rim. 2. The wine should be of good quality. 3. We stand during the Kiddush of Friday night (at least during Vayechulu), because the Friday night Kiddush testifies that Hashem, the Creator of the world, rested on the seventh day, declared it holy, and gave us, the Jewish people, this gift, this holy day to observe. 4. When there is no wine, the Friday night kiddush may be recited on the Challah. 5. Women, too, are obliged to hear Kiddush. 6. The Challah should be covered during Kiddush.. Friday Night Kiddush Va-ye-hi Erev Va-ye-hi Boker Yom Ha-shi-shi. Va-y'chu-lu Ha-sha-ma-yim v'ha-a-retz, v'chawl ts'va-am. va-y'chal e-lo-him ba-yom ha-sh'vi-i, m'lach-to a-sher a-sa va-yish-bot ba-yom ha-sh'vi-i, mi-kawl m'lach-to a-sher a-sa. va-y'va-rech e-lo-him et yom ha-sh'vi-i, va-y'ka-deish o-to ki vo sha-vat mi-kawl m'lach-to a-sher ba-ra e-lo-him la-a-sot. Sav-rei ma-ra-nan ve-ra-banan ve-ra-bo-tai! Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, Eh-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-o-lam, bo-rei p'ri ha-ga-fen. (All present respond: Amen.) Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, Eh-lo-hei-nu, me-lech ha-o-lam, a-sher ki-d'sha-nu b'mits-vo-tav v'ra-tsa va-nu, v'sha-bat kawd'sho b'a-ha-va uv'ra-tson hin-hi-la-nu, zi-ka-ron l'ma-a-sei v'rei-shit. ki hu yom t'chi-la l'mik-ra-ei ko-desh, ze-cher li-tsi-at Mits-ra-yim. Ki va-nu va-char-ta v'o-ta-nu ki-dash-ta mi-kawl ha-a-mim, v'Shabbat kawd-sh'cha b'a-ha-va u-v'ra-tson hin-chal-ta-nu. Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, m'ka-deish ha-Shabbat. (All present respond: Amen.) And there was evening and there was morning.. The sixth day. Thus the heavens and earth were finished, and all their array. On the seventh day G-d completed His work which He had done, and He abstained on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. G-d blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He abstained from all His work which G-d created to make. By your leave, my masters, rabbis and teachers! Blessed are You, HASHEM, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine. (All present respond - Amen) Blessed are You, HASHEM, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, took pleasure in us, and with love and favor gave us His holy Shabbat as a heritage, a remembrance of creation. For that day is the prologue to the holy convocations, a memorial of the Exodus from Egypt. For us did You choose and us did you sanctify from all the nations, and Your holy Shabbat, with love and favor did You give us as a heritage. Blessed are You, HASHEM, Who sanctifies the Shabbat. (All present respond - Amen) FOR A PRINT COPY CLICK HERE The one reciting the Kiddush drinks at least three ounces, and then distributes the rest into smaller cups to those at the table. Netilat Yadayim - Washing the Hands Following Kiddush, everyone washes their hands in the prescribed ritual manner* to prepare for eating bread, and recites the appropriate bracha / blessing. *(Fill a large cup that holds at least four and a half ounces with water and pour water on each hand front and back, starting with the right hand. Many people use special Handwashing Cups, which have two handles to them to make the pouring of the water easier). Baruch A-tah A-do-nai, Eh-lo-hay-nu Me-lech Ha-olam, Asher Ki'-de-sha-nu B'-mitz-vo-tov, V' tzi-vanu al N'tee-lat Ya-da-yim. Blessed are You, HASHEM our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us regarding washing the hands. FOR A PRINT COPY CLICK HERE Once you make this bracha, you may not speak until you eat your first piece of Challah. Hamotzi Before saying the bracha "Hamotzi" over the two Challot, the head of the household lightly draws the knife across the Challah making a slight indentation in the Challah to indicate the place for cutting, then raises the Challot to recite the bracha. At the end of the bracha, everyone responds "Amen." Baruch A-tah A-do-nai, Ehlo-hay-nu Me-lech Ha-olam, Ha-motzi Leh-chem Min Ha-aretz. (All present respond - Amen) Blessed are You, HASHEM our G-d, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth. (All present respond - Amen) FOR A PRINT COPY CLICK HERE The head of the household cuts a piece of Challah for himself, and dips it in salt* and eats it so that there is no unnecessary lapse of time between the blessing and the act of eating. He then cuts and distributes the rest of the Challah to those around the table. *(as a commemeration of the sacrifices which were salted when offered up on the Mizbayach / altar in the time of the Beit Hamikdash). Enjoy the Friday night meal. back to top next topic RETURN TO MAIN SHABBAT PAGE THE SHABBAT DAY Shabbat as a "special spice" for the Shabbat meals: Shabbat 119a Prayers Meal II Kiddush THE SHABBAT DAY Shacharit Prayers It is customary to begin the morning service on Shabbat later than on the weekdays. The reason for this custom is found in Bamidbar Parshat Pinchas. The morning service is in place of the morning sacrifice. When speaking about the daily morning sacrifice in this Parsha, the Torah uses the expression "in the morning" (28:4). But when mentioning the Shabbat sacrifice the expression is, "On the Shabbat day" (28:9) which implies a later time than morning. The Shabbat Morning services usually take more time than the weekday morning services. Here's why. 1. The Sh'liach Tzibur (leader of the prayer service) takes his time singing the prayer melodies on Shabbat. 2. After Shacharit, we have Kriat HaTorah - Reading of the Parshat Hashavua, Torah portion of the Week. 3. After the Parsha is read we read the Haftorah - a selection chosen from Nevi'im / Prophets that usually relates to the Torah portion read that day. 4. Finally, we have the Musaf prayer - in commemoration of the Musaf (additional) sacrifices in the Beit HaMikdash. The Shabbat Meals - Part II Kiddush The Shabbat noon day meal begins with Kiddush. The daytime Kiddush is of later origin, established by the Sages, and is of less prominence than the Kiddush of Friday night. It is also shorter - just one Bracha (blessing), which led the Talmud - (Tractate Pesachim 106a), in irony, to call it "Kiddusha Rabbah - Great Kiddush." To add prominence to the morning Kiddush, there is a custom of including additional Torah verses. There are various customs as to which p'sukim [verses] are recited with the morning Kiddush. Some begin at "Al Kain Beirach - Therefore He Blessed" [which may be problematic because it begins in the middle of a verse (Shmot / Exodus 20:11)]. Some begin with "Im Tashiv - If you restrain..." (Yeshayahu / Isaiah 58:13-14). Others begin with the verse, "V'Shamru Vnei Yisrael et ha-shabbat, - The Children of Israel shall observe the Shabbat..." (Shmot / Exodus 31:16-17). Still others begin with "Zachor et Yom HaShabbat L'kadsho - Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." (Shmot / Exodus 20:8-11). Many omit some or all of these verses and begin with 'Al kein bei-rach ' IM TASHIV Im ta-shiv mi'Shabbat Rahg-leh-cha ah-sot cha-fah-tzecha b'yom kodshi v'ka-rata la-shabbat oh-neg lik-dohsh HASHEM m'chu-bawd v'chi-bah-deto me'asot d'rah-cheh-cha mim-tzo chef-tzecha v'dah-bair da-var. Az tit'ah-nag al-HASHEM v'hir-kav-ti-cha al-ba-ma-tei ah-retz v'ha'ah-chal-ti-cha nah-cha-lat Ya-ah-kov ah-vi-cha ki pi HASHEM dee-ber. V'SHAMRU Ve-shamru v'nei Yisroel et ha-Shabbat, la'asot et ha-Shabbat le-doro'tam brit olam. Bei-ni u-vein b'nei Yisroel ot hi le-olam, ki shei-shet ya-mim ah-sah A-do-nai, et ha-sha-mayim ve-et ha-aretz uva-yom ha-shevi'i shavat va-yi-nafash. <