What Is Shabbat?
Here you will find videos, articles, documents, and more to help you bring in the Shabbat in a kosher way!
Shabbat: An Island in Time
Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) (also known as "Shabbos" or the "Sabbath") is the centerpiece of Jewish life. According to the Talmud, Shabbat is equal to all the other commandments. Shabbat is so central to Jewish life that the term shomer Shabbat (Shabbat observer) is synonymous with “religious Jew” in common parlance. Shabbat is a day of rest and celebration that begins on Friday at sunset and ends on the following evening after nightfall.
How to Bring In The Shabbat
In the Beginning There Was Shabbat
We read in the Book of Genesis that G‑d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. The sages say that on that day, G‑d created menuchah, rest, without which sustained creativity would be impossible.
Shabbat: A Special Guest
Our sages tell us that the Shabbat is a “queen,” whose regal presence graces every Jewish home for the duration of the Shabbat day. For this reason, we scrub our bodies, dress our finest and make sure our homes are in tip-top shape on Friday afternoon. According to the Talmud, we actually receive a special additional soul every Shabbat.
Light Shabbat Candles
Since we do not light fires on Shabbat, our sages declared that every Jewish home should have candles lit before the onset of the Shabbat, so that the evening be peaceful and festive. It is customarily the woman of the house who kindles these lights. The candles should be placed near where the Shabbat meals will take place and must be lit at least 18 minutes before sunset. A special blessing is said after the lighting.
Wine and Dine
The Torah commands us to “remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.” The sages understand this to mean that we must verbally declare the Sabbath a holy day, so on Friday night we say a special prayer over wine in a ritual known as kiddush (sanctification).
Shabbat Prayers
On Friday night, before the evening services, we welcome in the Shabbat Queen with a special collection of Psalms and a beautiful melody. The following morning’s service is expanded to include the reading of the weekly Torah portion.
Things We Do Not Do
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Turning on or off lights or operating electrical appliances (including phones)
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Cooking
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Carrying in the public domain (defined as public areas outside of an eruv enclosure)
Lighting
Erev
Shabbat Candles
In Judaism, lighting Erev Shabbat candles is a central ritual that welcomes the Sabbath (Shabbat) and symbolizes bringing light, shalom (peace), sanctity into the home. Here is a step by step guide to the procedure:
1. Preparation
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Timing: The candles should be lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. Check a local Jewish calendar for the exact time in your location.
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Candles: Traditionally, two candles are lit, symbolizing the two commandments of Shabbat: Zachor ("remember") and Shamor ('observe'). However, some families light more candles - one for each family member
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Placement: The candles are placed in candlesticks on a stable surface, usually near the dining table, in a safe location. Once the candles are lit, they are not moved.
2. Covering the Head
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Married women cover their heads with a scarf, hat or other head covering while lighting the candles. This is a customary act of modesty, though it is not required for unmarried women or girls. I would recommend unmarried women of marriageable age to cover their heads while lighting.
3. Lighting the Candles
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The person lighting (typically the woman of the household), lights the candles first. If there is no woman present a man can perform this mitzvah.
4. Waving the Hands
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After lighting, it is customary to wave the hands toward the face three times in a circular motion. This symbolizes drawing in the light and sanctity of the Shabbat.
5. Covering the Eyes
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To avoid "using" the light before reciting the blessing (a principle in Jewish law), the person coves their eyes with their hands.
6. Reciting the Blessing
With eyes covered, the following blessing (bracha) is recited:
Blessing (in transliteration)"
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam Asher Kid'shanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu L'hadlik Ner Shel Shabbat Kodesh
Translation:
Blessed are You L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His
commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candles.
7. Uncovering the Eyes
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After the blessing, uncover the eyes and look at the flames. Take a moment to reflect or pray silently if desired. Many people use this moment to pray for shalom, family health, or other personal intentions.
8. Welcoming the Shabbat
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After the candles are lit, Shabbat officially begins. It is customary to greet others with "Shabbat Shalom" and proceed to other Shabbat rituals. In Lapid Judaism we follow the Family Zemiros available through Artscroll beginning on page 33 through the blessing over the hamotzi. Then we partake in the Shabbat meal.
For more information about Candle lighting, please Click Here for the Chai Light Brochure from Lapid Judaism.
Significance of Lighting Erev Shabbat Candles
The act of lighting Shabbat candles is deeply symbolic and carries rich spiritual significance in Judaism. Here are some of the central ideas behind this ritual:
Peace and Harmony (Shalom Bayit)
The Shabbat candles are said to bring light, both literally and metaphorically, into the home. They dispel phyisical darkness and symbolize the emotional and spiritual peace that Shabbat brings. This light fosters shalom bayit (peace in the home), encouraging tranquility, unity, and love among family members.
Spiritual Illumination
The candles represent divine light entering the home and the world. They serve as a reminder of HaShem's presence and the sanctity of Shabbat as a holy day.
Shabbat
Shabbat
March 6, 2026
The Shema of Shabbat
