We usher in the peace and sanctity of Shabbat by lighting candles every Friday evening. A set of two candles is included in your Shabbat Kit along with lighting times. When these candles are lit, the spirit of Shabbat descends upon all those in the vicinity.
Traditionally eaten at Friday night and Shabbat day meals, challah is a delicious egg-bread. Made of braided dough, it symbolizes the togetherness and harmony of Shabbat.
The commencement of the Shabbat meal–the kiddush (sanctification)–sets the tone for the meal and day and defines what makes it special. The words in the kiddush testify that G‑d, Creator of the world, rested on the seventh day and sanctified it, telling us that this is not an ordinary day and not simply a meal, rather it is a celebration and affirmation of this day that G‑d has consecrated.
A big part of the “delight” of Shabbat is the enjoyment of three Shabbat meals, mainly the first two—Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch—that are elegantly prepared, preceded by the sipping of ceremonial kiddush wine and the breaking of traditional challah bread, and lingered over with songs, inspiring thoughts and camaraderie.
Shabbat is a day of holiness, set apart and elevated above the rest of the week. The special laws pertaining to Shabbat preserve its sanctity and beauty. The prohibitions against “work,” far from being negative or burdensome, are an integral part of the experience of Shabbat as a day when body and soul are in true harmony.
We sanctify the Shabbat by distinguishing it from the mundane weekdays which precede and follow it. When the Shabbat departs we bless the One who separates the Shabbat from the rest of the weekdays.