Shabbat from Anywhere

As one day moves into the next, it’s easy to lose track of when day becomes night and night becomes day, when a week ends and Shabbat begins. We try to distinguish Shabbat from the rest of the week with our actions, rituals, and traditions, yet, in the whirlwind of our lives, that is not always possible.

Where are you finding yourself on a Friday night? What does it mean to take a minute out of your Friday night activities to mark this transitional moment from the mundane to the holy?

Light

We traditionally welcome Shabbat by kindling lights. There may not be Shabbat candles wherever you are celebrating tonight, but take a moment to look around you. Is there a candle on your table? Is there a window to see the stars? Is there a lamp on your desk? We encourage you to bring in Shabbat light with whatever light you have and to consider the lights of your week.

Blessing:

בָּרוּך אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלָךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.

Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the light of Shabbat.

Question:
What are your Shabbat lights for the week?

Kiddush

On Shabbat, we typically use wine to sanctify this holy day. We notice the fragrant smell and sweet taste of wine that help welcome Shabbat with a sense of joy for this sacred time in our week. In a place where wine might not be accessible or if you don’t wish to drink alcohol, you’re in luck. You can also sanctify the evening over beer or juice.

Blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, borei p’ri hagafen.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, Creator of the fruit of the vine.

Question:
What is something that has made your week more sacred?

Challah

The word Challah can be connected to the Hebrew words “hallal” or “hallul,” which mean “hollow” or “empty space.” Sometimes we need that empty space during the week to give ourselves time to breathe, think, or meditate within our busy routines often set to autopilot.

Blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, haMotzi lechem min haaretz.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who brings forth bread from the earth

Question:
Can you recall a moment this week in which you embraced “empty space?”