Celebrating Shabbat
By
User:PhillipPortman @timeAndDate(1302286986)
Things To Remember
There are many ways to observe Shabbat, and Jewish families often celebrate differently. The guidelines that are presented in this article are those practiced at an Orthodox level. A lot of families across the United States take a more reformed approach to the weekly rituals: some might say a prayer over their meal, while others might incorporate singing and some more of these stricter rules. There is no right or wrong, but it's important to know that practices vary from household to household. You might find that you want to include some of the following practices in your own Shabbat.
Challah Covers
Challah is the name given to a braided bread that is traditionally eaten for Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. Most meals begin with the serving of two loaves, and you may have noticed that the bread is always covered by a cloth. Although they are very decorative, challah covers do serve a symbolic purpose. Religion tells us that manna (food that fell from the heavens) fed Jewish forefathers as they trekked through the deserts, so the challah itself represents the manna. It is also said that the manna was kept fresh by layers of moisture, so the cover is symbolic of this.
Challah Boards
Similar to the covers, challah boards are present at most Jewish celebrations, including Shabbat. The trays themselves don't really have a symbolic meaning, but they are usually decorated or painted in such a manner. The tray is usually passed around the dining table so the challah can be eaten. Here are some of our favorite boards.
Kiddush Cups
Kiddush is a ritual at every Shabbat, in which prayers are said over a glass of wine. While the act of kiddush is a requirement at most Jewish holidays, there is no set criteria for the type of cup or glass that people drink from. Having said that, most Jewish families will have special ones that they use strictly for these blessings. If you don't yet have a nice kiddush cup, take a look at these options.
Washing Cups
Washing cups, which may also be known as Yeddish in the Jewish community, are specially designed cups that are all about hygiene and cleanliness. They also have a religious meaning: the ritual of hand washing before both prayer and challah dates back as far as biblical times. It is said that people had to clean their hands before they made their sacrifices, and that they were required to be pure in order to appear worthy to God. The cups have two handles to ensure that both hands are completely clean. They tend to be made of expensive materials, so they are set aside specifically for celebrating Shabbat and other ceremonies ranging from Bar Mitzvahs to Hanukkah.
Shabbat Candles
Another tradition when celebrating Shabbat is the lighting of the candles. A woman will usually light two candles just before sundown on Friday night. The timing ensures that no rules are broken, and these candles often provide light during the family meal.
Stuck On Ideas?
Are you stuck on ideas for what to cook at your next Shabbat? Not sure how to engage your whole family in the celebrations? Take a look at these top-selling books which might help you out.
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