SHABBAT One of the holiest day in the Jewish calendar
HOW DO WE CELEBTATE SHABBAT?
SHABBAT means Rest. From the Hebrew word Lee'sh'bot = TO REST.
On Saturday, the Torah tells us that we should not do any work activities on Shabbat. Why?
Just as G-d worked hard for six days, creating our universe and at the end of six days when the work was finished, G-d was Very tierd and needed REST time to Enjoy the outcome of his creations.
Everything was just as G-d wanted it to be. G-d was Happy but He was also very tierd. That is why G-d created a day of Rest
For three millennia, Shabbat has been the Jewish oasis in time.
On Fridays as the sun approaches the horizon, the magic begins, Jewish families all over prepare for "Shabbat".
The head of the house, much of the time it is Mom, but not always. the person writes out a list of Items that are needed, and if we are going to have guest we should find out if they have dietary or health restrictions.
while the "heavy" chores should be done early in the week, we do the smaller chores, cleaning and cooking and baking for Friday.
Ortodux families preapare the home lights so they do not have to turn the lights on or off during Shabbat, that is concidured work.
Since Shabbat is to be a "delight," make sure your home is comfortable. Sufficient light should be available.
Today, we use timers so that lights will come on and off automatically throughout Shabbat. Set timers to go off Friday night about 11:30 or so depending on your own sleeping schedule, and have them come on in the late afternoon Shabbat day, perhaps around 5:00, or whenever it begins to get dark out side.
A very important light is the one in the refrigerator and/or freezer. Unscrew the light bulb inside, so that it is off during the whole Shabbat. Otherwise, opening the fridge will be just like turning on a light, which is not permitted on Shabbat.
Cooking is not allowed on Shabbat, but keeping cooked food warm during Shabbat in some cases, warming up cooked food that is cold is not only permissible, but considered part of the mitzvah of making Shabbat a delight.
Slow cooker can be used instead of, or in addition. Your soup or chollent stew can simmer effortlessly overnight in these "crock pots." As a reminder that we don't cook on Shabbat, it is proper to cover the controls with foil.
Shabbat table usually is covered with a preety table cloth, Flowers,Good dishes.
At the head of the table we have Candle sticks with candles and matches and Two Chalot covered with Chala covercloth.
A kippa for Father and other male persons, A Kiddush cup, A bottle of wine with wine Goblets for every one.
Shabbat meals:
************" SHABBAT SHALOM "************
******** A RESTFUL, PEACEFUL SHABBAT********
