Shabbat Rituals and Blessings
Welcome shabbat with candles
A few minutes before sunset on Friday night, we welcome Shabbat by lighting two candles and saying a special blessing:
Hebrew
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת
Baruch atah adonai, eloheinu mulch halal, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Shabbat.
English
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Overseer of all existence, who commands us to light this candle on Shabbat.
Follow along with the video below:
Wine marks shabbat as special (kiddush)
Since wine can symbolize happiness, some families fill a glass of wine to the brim so that it’s overflowing with happiness. Then, we say a special blessing:
Hebrew
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן: אמן.
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Haolam, Boreh Pree HaGafen. Amen
English
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Overseer of all existence, who created the fruit of the vine. Amen.
Follow along with the video below:
Challah begins the meal (Hamotzi)
It is customary to celebrate Shabbat with two loaves of challah bread, representing the double portion of mana that was received by the Jewish people on Fridays. After the blessings, some families dip the bread in salt.
Hebrew
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ :אמן.
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Haolam, Hamotzi Lechem Min Ha’aretz. Amen
English
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Overseer of all existence, who has brought forth bread from the earth. Amen
Follow along with the video below:
