Shabbat Ritual Guide
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, also called the Sabbath. Shabbat takes place from Friday night after candle lighting to Saturday night once three stars have been spotted in the sky. One this day of rest, multiple forms of work are prohibited.
Jews rest on the seventh day of the week before it is said that G-d rested after six days of creating the world. Shabbat is deemed as a time of holiness, reflection, prayer, and community.
What are Shabbat Rituals?
Shabbat rituals include blessings unique to this holy day as well as three Shabbat meals. The blessings are made over candle lighting, wine for the Kiddush, washing hands in the Netilat, and blessing Challah in the Hamotzi. These are four important elements of Shabbat. Jews thank G-d by blessing the fruit of the vine and the bread from the ground (therefore blessing all food). Shabbat is a time to reflect and take a break from the chaos of the week.
The three Shabbat meals include Friday night dinner, Saturday lunch, and the third meal Seudat Shlishit Saturday evening. It is traditional to invite guests over to partake in these joyous meals.
Shabbat Judaica
Shabbat Judaica includes items that can help you complete the Mitzvah of beautifying the Shabbat. These items include candlesticks, Kiddush cups, Challah boards, Challah knives, Challah covers, washing cups, tablecloths and Blech covers.
It is important for the Shabbat table to be inviting, in addition to representing the special nature of Shabbat. It is traditional for families to use their finest China for Shabbat or to put flowers on the table. Shabbat meals almost always include guests.
Materials & Decorations
Candlesticks can be made from wood, metal, and glass. Sterling silver candlesticks tend to be the most expensive but also make a big statement. It is traditional for married women to light two candles, so candlesticks are sold in pairs. Candlesticks can feature a simple design or a motif of birds, pomegranates, and more.
Challah boards are often made of wood, while Challah covers are made of silk or cloth material. These Judaica items are important for covering and blessing the Challah on Shabbat.
Washing cups can be made of pewter, tin, and sterling silver as well. Washing cups are often displayed prominently near a kitchen sink so it is a good idea to put out your finest washing cup when guests arrive.
Tablecloths will help you decorate your lovely Shabbat table. Tablecloths and runners can be made of cloth, raw silk, linen, and velvet. Hebrew text such as 'Shabbat ve Yom Tov' may be written here.
For More Information
For more information about Shabbat Ritual items or other Judaica items, feel free to contact our Judaica experts with any questions or concerns.
