Prepping for Sabbath

Preparing for this Sabbath (also known as Shabbat or Shabbos) is an act of reverence and joy, a process that enhances the experience and significance of the Sabbath itself. For both newcomers to the faith and those well-versed in its practices, preparing for the Sabbath is a journey that involves thoughtful planning, spiritual readiness, and setting an atmosphere of peace and sanctity.

This guide aims to provide a general overview of how to prepare for the Sabbath (and the significance behind each element), encompassing everything from meal preparation to creating a serene home environment, ensuring that the transition into this holy day is as fulfilling and meaningful as possible.

The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a time for rest, reflection, and renewal. In Orthodox Judaism, it is considered a gift from God, a day to step back from the mundane and embrace the divine. Preparation for the Sabbath is key to honoring its sanctity. These preparations are not just physical tasks but spiritual acts that set the tone for the day, allowing observers to enter the Sabbath with a sense of peace and readiness.

Meal Preparation

The Sabbath is known for its festive meals, which require advanced preparation. Cook and prepare your dishes to be ready by Friday before candle lighting. Remember, cooking (adjusting heat and starting/extinguishing flames) is not permitted on Shabbat, so all food should be ready before sundown. Dishes like cholent, a traditional slow-cooked stew, embody the spirit of Sabbath since they stay in the oven (or stovetop) and cook overnight so that they are warm and ready for Sabbath Lunch (on Saturday).

Menu Planning

Start by planning a menu early enough in the week so you aren't left scrambling last minute! Consider both taste and symbolism when choosing your dishes.

Be sure to prepare the following for Friday night:

3 Planned Meal

“Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today, you will not find it in the field (Exodus 16:25)". The word "today" is repeated three times, which the Talmud interprets as a commandment to eat three meals on Sabbath.

• Friday Night Dinner (First Meal): This meal is considered to be the most important as it welcomes the Sabbath. It's a time of joy and sanctification, marked by the Kiddush and a festive meal, symbolizing the sanctity and peace of Sabbath. It is symbolic of taking a step towards the Messianic age.

• Sabbath Lunch (Second Meal): The second meal, usually the largest, continues the celebration. It typically begins after morning synagogue services (around mid-day on Saturday). This meal represents the delight of Sabbath and often involves studying Torah and singing songs (Zemirot).

• Seudah Shlishit (Third Meal): This meal takes place in the late afternoon on Saturday (around the same time the candles were lit on Friday). It's a simpler meal and is reflective and spiritual in nature. Seudah Shlishit is a way of savoring the last moments of Sabbath and is often accompanied by more singing and Torah study. This meal symbolizes the faith and trust in God's provision, reflecting the qualities of harmony and inner beauty revealed when the Messiah comes.

Observing the Sabbath and its meals is a microcosm of the Messianic era. The peace, rest, and spiritual elevation of Sabbath are considered glimpses of the future world, where harmony, divine presence, and spiritual fulfillment will be universally experienced. Thus, every Sabbath and its meals are viewed not only as sacred in their own right but also as steps towards, and a reflection of, the future redemption.

Six Loaves of Challah

Two are used for each meal of Sabbath (3 meals in total). Challah represents the manna that fell from heaven when the Israelites wandered in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. Just as manna was a sustenance gift from God, challah is a reminder of God's continual provision. On Fridays, a double portion of manna fell, which is symbolized by the two loaves of challah typically used at the Sabbath meal.

Click here for an amazing Challah Bread Recipe

Challah also has some profound significance within creation, with the two loaves representing the two parts of Adam (male and female). On the 6th day of creation, God created Adam by taking bits of earth and water, and shaping the arms, legs, organs, and face. then god breathed into the formed clay and gave it חיים, and it arose and walked and talked. god placed Adam in the garden and made him like a priest of the garden, and then took a side of Adam to create a woman named Chavah. God then gave Chavah to Adam.

If you take some flour from the earth, add some water, and add yeast, and then you knead it together, shape it, and then heat it so the yeast can breathe into the dough and make it rise, you create bread! when making challah bread, you take a piece of it out (the challah) and give it to the priests. Sound familiar?

The word “challah” comes from a Hebrew word that means “to pierce”; perhaps this is because the Adam was pierced so his bride could be made ready for him and given to him. When making challah, you are becoming partners with G-d in creation, but in another sense, you are 'creating Adam'. Almost like a child in the kitchen 'making playdough food' while the parent is making the real food. Both smiling and working together in harmony, each working to eventually "feed the other" with joy.

Wine or Grape Juice

This is used in Kiddush for the 1st meal, 2nd meal, and Havdallah (the conclusion of the Sabbath). Wine is often also heavily associated with the Messianic era. The abundance of wine is seen as a sign of the prosperity and peace that will characterize this future time (Jeremiah 31:12, Amos 9:13-14). The act of drinking wine on Sabbath is thus seen as a foretaste of the joy and abundance of the Messianic age and the revealing of deeper spiritual matters that may have been concealed during the veil of the mundane week. In addition, wine also serves as an affirmation of G-d's kingship and the sanctity of Sabbath.

Below are some traditional meals and suggestions, along with their symbolism:

Friday Night Dinner (1st Meal)

Starter Dishes: Gefilte Fish & Egg

• Fish: Fish, a symbol of fertility and blessing, is a traditional opener for the Sabbath meal. Serving gefilte fish, is customary in many Chassidic homes, however this taste isn't for everyone - our kids prefer smoked salmon instead. The fish also represents the Leviathan (Job 41, Psalms 104:26). It is believed that the righteous will feast on the Leviathan in the World to Come, a concept often discussed in the context of the Messianic era. Eating fish on Sabbath can be seen as a symbolic foretaste of this future feast.

• Egg: Eggs can be a symbol of grief and mourning or new life. Just as an egg represents new life, its presence at the Sabbath meal can be viewed as an expression of faith in the future redemption and the restoration of the Temple. The egg, being a simple and humble food, is also a reminder of the importance of modesty and humility. While the egg itself is not explicitly highlighted in scripture, the themes it represents, such as renewal, mourning turned into joy, and the cycle of life, are prevalent. For instance, the prophets often speak of sorrow turning into joy and renewal (Isaiah 61:3), while the New Testament speaks of new life and resurrection, symbolized by the egg in later Christian traditions (John 11:25-26). My home (with four kids) switch between a hard boiled egg, egg salad, or deviled eggs. Typically, our kids rotate in deciding how to celebrate this piece of the meal.

Soup: Chicken Soup with Kneidlach (Matzah Ball Soup)

• Symbolism: The warmth and comfort of chicken soup, often with matzah balls (kneidlach), symbolize the nurturing and restorative nature of Sabbath. Matzah balls, made from matzah meal, inherently connect to the Passover story and the matzah, the "bread of affliction." This connection serves as a reminder of the Jewish people's redemption from slavery in Egypt, a foundational narrative that underpins many Jewish customs and beliefs. In a broader sense, this redemption can be seen as a precursor to the ultimate redemption in the Messianic era.

Main Course: Braised Brisket or Roast Chicken

• Symbolism: Eating meat on Sabbath represents joy and celebration, reminiscent of the festive meat offerings in the Temple. The inclusion of a rich and satisfying dish like brisket at the Sabbath meal can be seen as a symbolic foretaste of this era, reflecting the abundance and joy that will characterize the time of the Messiah.

Side Dishes: Kugel and Tzimmes

• Kugel: A baked noodle or potato pudding, kugel is a staple in many Jewish homes. Its round shape symbolizes the cycle of life and the continuity of the faith.

• Tzimmes: A sweet carrot and sweet potato stew, often signifies the hope for a sweet and prosperous life.

Dessert: Apple Cake or Honey Cake

• Symbolism: Sweet desserts like apple or honey cake are reminiscent of the sweetness of Sabbath and the joy it brings.

Sabbath Lunch (2nd Meal)

Fish Course: Herring and Crackers

• Symbolism: Herring is a popular Sabbath fish in many Chassidic households, symbolizing humility and simplicity.

Main Course: Cholent with Kishke

• Cholent: A slow-cooked stew of meat, beans, barley, and potatoes, cholent is prepared before the onset of Sabbath and cooked overnight. It symbolizes the prohibition of cooking on Sabbath and the ingenuity of Jewish tradition in keeping the laws.

• Kishke: A traditional stuffed sausage, adds richness and flavor to the cholent.

Salads and Sides: Israeli Salad, Chopped Liver, and Pickles

• Israeli Salad: Fresh and light, offering a balance to the hearty cholent.

• Chopped Liver: Represents fertility and life.

• Pickles: Add a touch of acidity to balance the flavors and aid digestion.

Dessert: Strudel or Rugelach

• Symbolism: Sweet pastries to conclude the meal, celebrating the sweetness and joy of Sabbath .

Seudah Shlishit (Third Meal Late Saturday Afternoon)

Light Fare: Assorted Bagels, Cream Cheese, and Smoked Salmon

• Symbolism: Lighter fare for the third meal symbolizes the winding down of Sabbath and the transition back to the regular week.

Salads: Egg Salad, Tuna Salad

• Symbolism: Simple, humble dishes that reflect the more subdued nature of this meal.

Dessert: Fresh Fruit or Pastries

• Symbolism: A gentle and sweet end to the Sabbath observance.

Remember, the key to Sabbath meals is not just the food but also the atmosphere of joy, rest, and sacred bonding with G-d and family. Each dish can carry a deeper meaning, contributing to the holistic experience of the Sabbath and serving as a reminder of something deeper. In doing so, you partake of the spiritual essence of the food and not just its physical substance. This is a great way to pass down lessons to kids as well.

Setting the Table

Sabbath Tablecloth, Dishes, Silverware

Just as you would prepare your home to welcome a distinguished guest, setting a beautiful table honors the sanctity and importance of the Sabbath. Sabbath elevates the physical to a spiritual level, a concept known as "Dirah Betachtonim" (making a dwelling place for the Divine among us in the lower realms). By beautifying the physical aspects of Sabbath observance with elegant table settings, you actively sanctify the material world, turning a mundane act into a divine service. This is seen as a foretaste of the Messianic era, where holiness will permeate all aspects of physical existence. The beautifully set table on Sabbath can be seen as a symbolic anticipation of the "Seudat HaMashiach" (the Messianic Banquet), seen in (Matthew 22:1-14 & Revelation 19:6-9). This future feast represents the ultimate spiritual and physical satisfaction in the Messianic era.

Two Loaves of Challah (Covered)

The Kiddush (blessing over the wine) is recited before the blessing over the bread (Hamotzi). Since bread is usually considered the most important food in a meal, the challah is covered during Kiddush to symbolize respect for it. This way, it's as if the bread is not 'aware' that another blessing is being said before it, thus preserving its dignity. This teaches the whole family to consider even something as common as 'bread' with the respect we want to have (Do unto others as you would have them do to you). The covered challah also serves as a reminder of the manna that God provided. When the manna fell from heaven and it was covered by dew above and below. Similarly, the cloth over the challah represents the layer of dew that covered the manna.

Salt Dish

The Sabbath table is likened to an altar, with each meal being a spiritual offering; thus, dipping challah in salt reminds us of this covenant and the sacrifices. Challah bread is dipped three times to symbolize the daily offering, the Sabbath offering, and the festive offering. Salt symbolizes the eternal covenant. Salt was used in all sacrifices offered at the Temple (Leviticus 2:13). This creates a connection between the Sabbath table and the Temple service, infusing the meal with a sense of sanctity and historical continuity. In Messianic times, the rebuilding of the Temple is a key element, and this practice serves as a reminder of that future hope.

Kiddush Cup

This is a special cup used for the ritual of Kiddush, the blessing over wine that sanctifies the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. wine is associated with joy and spiritual elevation. The practice is to fill the Kiddush cup to the brim so that a small amount drips over, representing the idea of divine abundance and overflowing blessing ("my cup overflows"). It signifies the wish for blessings to fill one's life and home, just as the wine fills and 'overflows' the cup.

Using the Kiddush cup to sanctify the Sabbath is also seen as an act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and inviting His presence into the home. The Messianic theme of universal recognition of God's kingship is found within the cup and wine. Our earthly bodies are vessels (like a cup), and G-d's desires and awareness of G-d are total joy (like the wine).  

Two Sabbath Candles

At least two candles are lit, corresponding to the dual commandments of "Zachor" (Remember) and "Shamor" (Observe) the Sabbath, as mentioned in the Ten Commandments. Some have a candle for each person in the home.

The light of the candles represents the divine presence that is believed to be more palpable on the Sabbath. The act of lighting candles marks the transition from the mundane week to the sacredness of the Sabbath, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the ordinary.

The candles' light can also be viewed as a symbol of the spiritual illumination and enlightenment that the Messiah will bring, as prophesied in Isaiah 60:1-3. The Messiah will be filled with G-d's will (Torah), which is a light (Psalms 119:105), and thus, the Messiah is also likened to being light (John 8:12). These two candles, while representing the presence of G-d, also symbolize the first and second coming of the Messiah which bring light into the world.

Atmosphere of Sabbath

Preparing your home for the Sabbath is as important as the meal preparations:

Clean & Organize

Clean your home thoroughly. This physical act of cleaning is symbolic of spiritual purification. This act is not simply about physical cleanliness but is a gesture of honor and reverence for the sanctity of Sabbath. This echoes the concept of preparing oneself for spiritual encounters, as seen in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where preparedness is key.

This idea of sanctifying time through physical action can be compared to the view of sanctification through faith and action, as seen in James 2:18, where faith is expressed through deeds. Inward desire creates outward change.

Beautification of the Home

Enhancing the physical environment for Sabbath is a form of elevating the mundane to a higher spiritual status. In the Messianic era, the world will reach a state where holiness permeates even the most ordinary aspects of life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 talks about how even mundane actions like eating and drinking are to be done for the glory of God.

This 'beautification' of the physical mirrors the concept of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, a physical space that is decorated and dedicated to the Divine presence. In Messianic terms, this symbolizes the world becoming a dwelling place for the Divine.

Dress Up

By changing into special clothes for Sabbath, we mark a clear distinction between the holy and the ordinary. This act symbolizes the separation and elevation of Sabbath from the rest of the week, reinforcing the idea of Sabbath as a sanctuary in time. Since the body of believers is likened to temples (1 Corinthians 6:19), it would make sense not to have stains and dirt on our inner or outer courts (body and garments), but instead to make sure it is fully clean, well-groomed, and presentable for the King of kings.

Personal Preparation

Spiritual readiness is a crucial aspect of Sabbath preparation:

Prayer and Study

Engaging in prayer and Torah study before the onset of the Sabbath is a way to align one’s mind and heart with the spiritual essence of the day. This often includes a deeper study of the texts, deepening one's understanding of God and the universe. Prayer and study are not merely intellectual but also involve emotional and spiritual refinement. It's a process of inner transformation in preparation for the sacred time of Sabbath. This spiritual attunement aligns one's thoughts, emotions, and intentions with the holiness of Sabbath.

Mindset

The personal readiness for the Sabbath is likened to preparing to meet a beloved; it's an anticipation of the divine embrace that the Sabbath represents. Personal preparation for Sabbath involves cultivating a mindset of peace, oneness, and detachment from the material concerns of the weekday world. Take a moment for self-reflection and cleansing from the material world. This shift in consciousness is seen as a taste of the serenity and unity of the Messianic era, becoming "one" with all who are entering the Sabbath.

Disconnect & Unplug

Disconnecting from the weekly routine is a vital part of entering the Sabbath:

Digital & Mundane Detox

Muktzah are items that are forbidden to be moved on Sabbath. This includes things that cannot be used on Sabbath due to its regard as a 'form of work' such as money, pens, tools, & electronics. Ensure that muktzah items are placed in areas where they won’t be accidentally moved or interacted with during Sabbath. It's also a good practice to check your pockets before Sabbath to make sure they don’t contain any muktzah items like keys, receipts, or electronic gadgets.

Prior to the onset of Sabbath, it's customary to turn off all electronic devices such as phones, computers, televisions, and other gadgets that are not used on Sabbath. This is to avoid the temptation or habit of using them during the holy day. Ensure alarm clocks are off or anything that might make noise requiring interaction to turn them off.

The idea is to create an atmosphere free from the usual distractions and interruptions, fostering a space for spiritual contemplation, prayer, and family connection.

Lightswitches

Lightswitches use electricity, and since using a lightswitch is seen as one of the prohibited forms of work (completing a circuit and kindling), lightswitch covers are a great tool to help prevent people in the home from accidentally using one. Here are two options for those looking to make the 'switch':

Flat Switch Covers

Toggle Switch Covers

Finishing Work

Ensure all work-related activities are completed before sundown on Friday. This includes household chores and professional tasks.

Guests

Hospitality is a cherished part of Sabbath observance:

Invite Guests

Invite friends, family, or community members to share in your Sabbath meals. Consider reaching out to those who may be alone or new to the community.

The tradition of welcoming guests for Sabbath is often linked to Abraham, a paragon of hospitality in Jewish tradition (as described in Genesis 18, where Abraham welcomes three strangers). Emulating Abraham’s hospitality is not only a moral imperative but also a spiritual practice that elevates both the host and the guest.

"If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham" John 8:39

This communal unity is seen as a microcosm of the hoped-for unity in the Messianic era, where all people will come together in harmony and peace. This concept echoes the prophetic vision in Isaiah (Isaiah 2:2-4) of a future time of universal peace and fellowship. When inviting guests, we acknowledge the Messiah as the ultimate 'guest'. By practicing hospitality, we embody the readiness and openness required for welcoming the Messiah.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some have shown it to angels without even being aware. Hebrews 13:2

Guest Preparation

Ensure your home is welcoming, with ample seating and provisions for your guests. If your guests are staying overnight, prepare a comfortable space for them, keeping in mind the prohibitions of Sabbath.

Welcoming the Sabbath

As Sabbath approaches, the final preparations help transition into the sanctity of the day. The below is just a brief overview of the first meal and not the entirety of Sabbath.

Lighting the Candles

Light the Sabbath candles 18 minutes before sundown. This act ushers in the Sabbath, marking the transition from the ordinary to the sacred. Once the candles are lit, no work may be done.

Personally, I have a household tradition where each person lights their candles from the person's candle to their right. The right is a symbol of chesed (love, kindness, and mercy). And thus, each soul (candle) shares their light through kindness. We enter Sabath in kindness, each as individual "flames" (spirits). But when we leave into the week (at the sabbath's end) after basking in the Sabbath, we are one spirit (represented by the Havdallah candle) with many wicks but only one flame.

After lighting the candles, the woman of the household covers her eyes and recites the blessing:

"Baruch atah Ad-nai, El-heinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat" (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Sabbath candle)

Woman of Valor (Eshet Chayil)

Eshet Chayil," a hymn from the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 31:10-31), is traditionally recited by the husband in praise of his wife. It’s a tribute to the strength, wisdom, and diligence of the Jewish woman.

A woman of valor who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value. She does him good and not harm all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand, she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Sanctification over Wine (Kiddush)

The head of the household recites the Kiddush over a cup of wine at the dinner table. Wine should be poured to the brim so that a small amount runs over. Take the cup in your left hand and place it in the palm of your right hand to recite the blessing:

“Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, Melekh ha’olam, borei p’ri hagafen.” “Blessed are You, Lord our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.”

Then a select portion from Genesis is read discussing the sanctity of Sabbath:

“Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, Melekh ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’ratzah vanu, v’Shabbat kodsho b’ahavah uv’ratzon hinchilanu, zikaron l’ma’aseh v’reishit. Ki hu yom techilah l’mikra’ei kodesh, zecher litzi’at Mitzrayim. Ki vanu vacharta, ve’otanu kidashta, mikol ha’amim. V’Shabbat kodshcha b’ahavah uv’ratzon hinchaltanu. Baruch atah Adonai, mekadesh ha’Shabbat." "Blessed are You, Lord our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and favored us, and with love and favor gave us His holy Sabbath as a heritage, a remembrance of the creation. It is the first among the holy festivals, commemorating the exodus from Egypt. For You chose us and sanctified us from all the nations, and with love and favor You gave us Your holy Sabbath as a heritage. Blessed are You, Lord, Who sanctifies the Sabbath.”

After the recitation of the Kiddush, the person making Kiddush drinks from the cup, followed by others at the table either drinking from the Kiddush cup or from individual cups into which wine from the Kiddush cup has been poured.

Blessing of Children

Fathers (or mothers) place their hands on the heads of their children and recite:

For sons:

"Y’simcha Elohim k’Ephraim v’chi Manasheh" “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh”

For daughters:

"Y’simech Elohim k’Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, v’Leah." “May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.”

This is followed by the Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) from Numbers 6:24-26:

“Y’varechecha Adonai v’yishmerecha. Ya’er Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka. Yisa Adonai panav eilecha v’yasem lecha shalom.” “May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

Hand Washing (Netilat Yadayim)

Hands are washed (pouring water 3x over the right hand, then 3x over the left hand). Hands are dried and then the following blessing is said:

“Baruch atah Ad-nai, El-heinu, Melekh ha’olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al netilat yadayim.” “Blessed are You, Lord our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the washing of hands.”

After washing hands, there is no talking until after the bread has been eaten.

Blessing over Challah (Bread)

After handwashing, the challah (which was covered) can now be uncovered. Typically, this blessing (called Hamotzi) is done by the head of the household. Take the two loaves of challah, raise them up (back to back), and recite the blessing:

“Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, Melekh ha’olam, hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.” “Blessed are You, Lord our God, Sovereign of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”

The bread is then sliced or torn and dipped into the salt dish 3x, and then passed out to each person to eat. Talking may resume after consumption. And the "feast" may now commence with each course of the meal coming out.

Every action and ritual, no matter how small, is often imbued with deeper spiritual significance. The act of slicing the challah in a meaningful way can be seen as an expression of intentionality and mindfulness in performing mitzvot, reflecting a deeper engagement with the spiritual aspects & spirit of the law.

The Dinner (1st Meal)

The Sabbath meal typically includes fish, soup, meat, side dishes, and dessert. It’s a festive meal accompanied by singing (Zemirot) and Torah discussion.

Shabbat Shalom!

Preparing for Sabbath is a journey that encompasses much more than the physical tasks of cooking and cleaning. It is an invitation to enter a sacred space, a time set apart for rest, reflection, and connection with the divine. Through these meticulous preparations, you honor the sanctity of Sabbath and open your heart to its spiritual gifts. As you light the candles and welcome the Sabbath, may you feel the profound peace and joy that this holy day brings, enriching your life and deepening your faith.

Comment Below!

Have a tradition, a favorite sabbath food, or some deep meaning attached to a Sabbath practice? Share it with us below! We'd love to hear how you 'beautify' the Sabbath, and it could be helpful and bring beauty to others!