The twenty-five hours from sunset on Friday evening to nightfall on Saturday night are imbued with the peace, tranquility, and holiness of Shabbat, which is captured and channeled through the rituals and observances of the day.
Shabbat day's primary observances include morning prayers, the weekly Torah reading, Kiddush and daytime meal, Torah study, and the “Third Meal.”
Prayer
Shabbat morning prayers include two services—Shacharit (the morning prayers) and Musaf ("additional" prayer in lieu of the Musaf offering). While prayer is a daily mitzvah, Shabbat is a truly opportune time for your soul to commune with the Creator, free of the worries and concerns of the workaday world. Indeed, the Shabbat prayers exclude the usual requests for material sustenance and other physical needs, including instead more psalms and spiritually inspiring prayers—all accompanied by each community's traditional Shabbat tunes.
Is your Hebrew weak or non-existent? Don't let that stop you. G‑d understands all languages, and prayer books with English translation are readily available. Many congregations have beginner-friendly services, with the rabbi supplying guidance and explanations as the service moves along. See the link below to find such a synagogue in your area.
It is an age-old custom to study some Chassidic teachings before the morning prayers. These teachings, with their awe-inspiring elucidation of G‑d, existence, life and the G‑dliness in existence and life, are the perfect prelude to prayer, making the experience that much more meaningful.
Torah Reading
In a tradition first instituted by Moses more than 3,300 years ago, a different "portion" or parshah of the Torah is publicly read each week. The readings follow an annual cycle, which completes the entire Chumash (the "Five Books of Moses") each year.
The weekly Parshah is read in the synagogue on Shabbat morning between the Shacharit and Musaf services. Ideally, however, the Shabbat reading is the culmination of the in-depth study of the Parshah throughout the week with the commentaries penned and taught by a hundred generations of sages and mystics, from Moses through today. In this way, we "live with the times"—attuning our daily lives with the guidance and inspiration contained within the divine wisdom of Torah.
Read: The Torah Reading
Kiddush and Daytime Meal
After prayers, we once again pronounce the sanctity of Shabbat over a cup of wine. The Shabbat day Kiddush follows a similar (though shorter) format as the Friday night version. Kiddush is followed by the Shabbat day meal, which likewise begins with the ritual washing of the hands and the Hamotzi blessing on two challah loaves, followed by delicious Shabbat food, singing and learning, and Grace after meals.
A unique feature of the Shabbat day meal is cholent—a slow-cooking stew (typically made with meat, potatoes and beans, though versions and varieties abound) that sits on a small covered flame from before Shabbat.
Shabbat Rest
Shabbat afternoon naps are legendary rejuvenators—and utterly in keeping
with the spirit of the day. Our sages count Shabbat sleep as one of the
pleasures of the holy day.
Relaxing quality time with family and friends is also a unique Shabbat delight.
Torah Study
The purpose of our weekly respite from material labors and concerns is not only to provide physical rejuvenation but also to grow spiritually. Shabbat is a great time for Torah study—alone or with a friend or by attending a Torah class.
Many communities offer Shabbat shiurim (Torah classes) on a great variety of subjects and levels.
Afternoon Prayer
Minchah is a short prayer service recited in the late afternoon. On Shabbat it also includes a short Torah reading—the first part of next week's Parshah.
Maariv, the evening service, is prayed at Shabbat's end, before Havdalah.
The Third Meal
Traditionally, the Shabbat is honored with three meals dedicated to it. The "third meal" (called Seudah Shelishit or Shalosh Seudot) is a light repast eaten in the late afternoon, between the Minchah and Maariv services.
During the summer months, this is also the time that we read from Ethics of the Fathersnt—a collection of sayings and teachings by the Talmudic sages.
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