Take a moment at the end of each week to feel refreshed and rejuvenated with this collection of traditional and creative Shabbat rituals, blessings, and activities.
Learn more about Shabbat
Shabbat, also known as Shabbos and the Sabbath, is a Jewish weekly day of rest that begins every Friday night at sundown and ends every Saturday night when three stars appear in the sky. Traditionally it’s celebrated by taking a break from anything that is considered work–both physically and emotionally. Shabbat begins with a candle-lighting ceremony which is often followed by a service and a special meal. It ends with the Havdalah ceremony that is typically done at home.
How you choose to observe Shabbat is a personal choice. Shabbat is a time to step away from the work that happens during the week, and give yourself a physical and mental break. For some, this means taking a break from cell phones or staying off social media. For others this means not starting fires–emotionally (as in an argument) or physically (as in a car engine or oven). It’s also common to have a sit-down meal with your family, friends, or housemates to mark the official end of the week and the beginning of the weekend. However you choose to observe Shabbat, we hope you find it to be restful and rejuvenating.
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Featured ritual books
Experiencing Shabbat During a Fertility Journey
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Queer Shabbat Dinner
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Featured clips
Things that have no limit
in this world or any other:
how often I can think of you
and feel my sadness lessen
the comfort that I find in you
from eve to night to morning
how many times I turn to you
to see my best self reflected
the gratitude I feel for you
(how did I get so lucky?)
All of these are infinite --
my love for you is greater.
Hareinu m’kablim aleinu et mitzvat ha-borei
V’ahavta l’re’akha camokha, l’reakha camokha.
Here we take upon ourselves the mitzvah of our Creator
To love my neighbor as myself, my neighbor as myself.
Aleinu by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat of Bayit
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In the traditional text of Hashkivenu, we ask that a shelter of peace is spread over ourselves, our loved ones and people around the world. We ask for restful and restorative sleep, and for the gift of waking up to a new day. As you read, imagine a blanket covering your body and take a deep breath as you move closer to ending your day.
Hashkivenu by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat of Bayit
The exterior's a little shabby,
could use a coat of paint.
A bit worn after a hard year:
not a lot of curb appeal.
Most people walk right by.
Not you: you see
the mezuzah in the doorway,
the light in the living room.
You see my heart, tender
and afraid no one will ever want—
Tell me again that I'm worthy
even when I feel most broken.
Tell me again that my strength
is beautiful, and makes me whole.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהו''ה, שׁוֹמֵר עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לָעַד:
Baruch atah YHVH, shomer amo Yisrael la’ad.
Blessed are You, YHVH, Who keeps watch over Your people Israel.
Hashkivenu by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat of Bayit
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Handwashing is an ancient Jewish practice used to make us pure for a holy moment. As we prepare to eat our first Shabbat meal of the New Year, take a moment to feel the water as it flows over your hands. Dry your hands as you say this blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדַיִם
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al n’tilat yadayim.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, whose mitzvot add holiness to our lives and who has given us the mitzvah of washing hands.
by Sheikha Ibtisam Mahameed and Rabba Tamar Elad-Appelbaum
This invocation, written by two mothers, one Muslim and one Jewish, invites us to take their plea for peace into our hearts and into the world. It has been shared widely by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie and the Lab/Shul community.
Two mothers, one plea:
Now, more than ever, during these days of so much crying,on the day that is sacred to both our religions, Friday, Sabbath Eve
Let us light a candle in every home – for peace:
A candle to illuminate our future, face to face,
A candle across borders, beyond fear.
From our family homes and houses of worship
Let us light each other up,
Let these candles be a lighthouse to our spirit
Until we all arrive at the sanctuary of peace.
Let Us Light Candles for Peace
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Abraham Joshua Heschel. a rabbi who marched for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King, Jr
Wrote that morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings,
That indifference to evil is worse than evil itself
That in a free society, some are guilty but all are responsible
May we continue to practice tikkun olam, repairing the world
May we continue to practice, gemilut chasidim, acts of lovingkindness
May we continue to practice tzedakah, just giving
May we recognize that all beings are created equal, b'tzelem elohim, in the image of the divine
May we walk away today knowing that each of us has the power to create change.
by Deanna Neil
Aleinu for Justice by Deanne Neil
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