The Complete Shabbat Guide
Everything You Need to Know About the Jewish Sabbath
Shabbat is the cornerstone of Jewish life -- a weekly day of rest, joy, and spiritual renewal that has been observed by Jews for over 3,000 years. Whether you are completely new to Shabbat or looking to deepen your observance, this guide brings together everything you need to know in one place.
What Is Shabbat?
Shabbat is the seventh day of the week, set apart as holy. It begins on Friday at sunset and ends on Saturday night when three stars appear. It commemorates both God's rest after creating the world and the Exodus from Egypt.
Shabbat involves two complementary aspects: positive observances (candle-lighting, Kiddush, festive meals, prayer, and rest) and refraining from melachah (creative labor, including cooking, driving, writing, and using electronic devices).
Friday: Preparing for Shabbat
Plan your meals: Cook in advance -- since cooking is not done on Shabbat. Classic Shabbat foods include challah, chicken soup, roasted meats, salads, and cholent (a slow-cooked stew left on a warming plate overnight).
Clean your home: A tidy space helps create the Shabbat atmosphere.
Dress up: Wearing nicer clothes is an act of kavod Shabbat (honoring Shabbat).
Set the table: A white tablecloth, candles, Kiddush cup, wine/grape juice, and two covered challot.
Prepare for technology-free time: Set lights on timers, prepare hot water if needed, and put phones away.
Friday Night
1. Candle-Lighting: At least two candles are lit before sunset (18 minutes before in most communities). The blessing is recited with eyes covered.
2. Shalom Aleichem: A song welcoming the Shabbat angels.
3. Eshet Chayil: A poem from Proverbs honoring the woman of valor.
4. Blessing the children: Parents bless each child individually.
5. Kiddush: The sanctification over wine.
6. Netilat Yadayim: Ritual hand-washing before bread.
7. HaMotzi: The blessing over two challot (the custom of lechem mishneh).
8. The meal: Enjoy food, conversation, songs, and divrei Torah.
9. Birkat HaMazon: Grace After Meals.
Shabbat Day
Synagogue services: Morning services include the Shacharit prayer, the Torah reading, and the Musaf prayer.
Daytime meal: The second festive meal, including Kiddush, HaMotzi, and often cholent.
Shabbat afternoon: A time for rest, reading, walking, learning, and the Shabbat nap.
Seudah Shlishit: The third meal, often simpler, served in the late afternoon.
Saturday Night: Havdalah
Havdalah marks the conclusion of Shabbat with a beautiful ceremony using wine, fragrant spices, and a braided multi-wick candle. The spices are smelled to comfort the soul, which is saddened by Shabbat's departure. Some families extend the evening with a Melave Malka (post-Shabbat meal).
Getting Started
If you are new to Shabbat, do not try to do everything at once. Our beginner's guide to keeping Shabbat offers a step-by-step path. Start with candle-lighting and a nice dinner. Add Kiddush and challah. Try turning off your phone. Build gradually.
Making Shabbat Special
Create a peaceful atmosphere with intention and care
Host guests -- hospitality enriches Shabbat for everyone
Involve your children in preparation and celebration
Learn the deeper meaning through Torah insights about Shabbat
Why Shabbat Matters
More than any other Jewish practice, Shabbat has the power to transform your life. It gives you permission to rest -- truly rest -- every single week. It strengthens family bonds, deepens friendships, and creates a weekly oasis of meaning in a chaotic world.
As the saying goes: "More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews." This ancient gift is yours for the taking, this Friday night.