Category: Erev Shabbat

Why and How We Should Play Games on Shabbat

It isn't just about playing games. They are the threads that weave a family's Shabbat tapestry, creating precious memories.

Boaz Davidoff February 13, 2025 Erev Shabbat Holidays

How do I Prepare for Shabbat Without Stressing Out?

We can prepare and still find ourselves scrambling before Shabbat. With a reframe, we can treat it as a rich part of our Shabbat experience.

Joshua Klein February 13, 2025 Erev Shabbat Holidays

Transforming Friday dinner into Shabbat dinner

In times where family and friends are more rare than ever, Shabbat dinner is a precious cradle of memories and community is a gift.

Daniela Rusowsky February 13, 2025 Erev Shabbat Holidays

How to Light Shabbat Candles: A Beginner’s Guide

Lighting Shabbat candles is one of our most beautiful traditions. Go grab your candles, here's how to light Shabbat candles step by step.

Tsvia Weisberger December 15, 2024 Erev Shabbat Holidays

Why Are There Two Challot on Shabbat?

It is custom to have two challot at the Shabbat meal. Where does this tradition come from? Here are a few answers to that question.

Daniela Rusowsky December 11, 2024 Erev Shabbat Holidays

A Whoop and Two Challahs: Doubling Our Loaves on Shabbat

A whoop and two challahs! Learn why doubling our loaves on Shabbat is important and how to observe this mitzvah.

Rabbi Adam J. Rosenbaum April 5, 2024 Blessings Erev Shabbat

Birkat Yeladim: Blessing Children

Read more on how to preform Birkat Yeladim, the blessing over our children, and where the blessing and practice come from.

Reena Bromberg Gaber January 31, 2024 Blessings Erev Shabbat

Why We Cover Challah at the Shabbat Table

Why we cover Challah at the Shabbat table can be found when we learn about manna and the seven species of Israel.

Hazzan Sara Geffen Geller January 30, 2024 Erev Shabbat Holidays

Friday Night Kiddush: The Deeper Meaning

Rabbi Dina Shargel teaches that the Friday night Kiddush sets a mood to welcome Shabbat by connecting it to Creation and to the Exodus.

Rabbi Dina Shargel June 7, 2022 Erev Shabbat Shabbat

Friday Night Shabbat at Home

Friday night Shabbat at home includes blessings over children, the song Shalom Aleichem, kiddush, and the blessing over bread, the motzi.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Michael Katz May 16, 2022 Erev Shabbat Shabbat

Friday Night Services at Synagogue: An Explainer

Friday night services on Shabbat include both Kabbalat Shabbat, a joyous recitation of psalms, and a Shabbat Maariv, the evening service.

Rabbi Michael Katz, The Observant Life (Book) April 20, 2022 Erev Shabbat Prayer

Shabbat Candles and the Beginning of Shabbat

Shabbat begins with the lighting of candles, in part, because they are symbolic of the spiritual light that Shabbat can bring into our lives.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Michael Katz April 20, 2022 Erev Shabbat Shabbat

The 3 Categories of Shabbat Preparation

There are three major categories of Shabbat preparation that must be attended to: physical setting, food preparation, and personal grooming.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Michael Katz April 20, 2022 Erev Shabbat Preparing for Shabbat