Rabbi, I’ve heard about Shabbat 250 and I am excited about it. Although I was born Jewish, I never went to Hebrew school and never observed Shabbat. To make things more complicated, I don’t even have a synagogue nearby, and as far as I know, I am the only Jew in my town! So is Shabbat basically a thing I can’t do?”
Answer:
Good for you for wanting to keep Shabbat! And just for you to know, Shabbat takes place wherever a Jew finds himself, in synagogue, on a trip, and yes … at home. Here are some suggestions for celebrating this special day at home.
1. Prepare Shabbat Feasts
“Anyone who puts in the effort to prepare on the eve of Shabbat will eat on Shabbat,” say the sages of the Mishnah. Got time? Make your own challah, boil up a steaming pot of delicious chicken soup (“Jewish penicillin”), prepare fish, salad, chicken, kugel, and, of course, some hearty cholent to be enjoyed at Shabbat lunch.
We have all the best recipes waiting for you at those links.
2. Get Some Good Kiddush Wine
Shabbat is a time of delight. Our Shabbat meals begin with Kiddush, a brief blessing said over a cup of wine.
If you are far from a Jewish community, this may take some research or online shopping. Pick one of the fine kosher wines (or grape juice) that are available today, both for Kiddush and throughout the meal (with moderation, of course). This may be the week to spend an extra dollar or two on something special to honor Shabbat.
3. Print Up Some Good Reading Material
Looking for something uplifting and engaging to read while snuggled up at home? Before Shabbat, go to www.chabad.org/magazine, and print the articles and stories we’ve published this week, especially some articles from our acclaimed Parshah section. There’s something there for everyone, and probably more than a few somethings to help you through the long afternoon.
4. Make a Schedule in Advance
Plan in advance. Decide what time you’ll pray, when you’ll have your meals, when you’ll study Torah, take your Shabbat nap, etc., so that you have what to look forward to.
5. Make Pre-Shabbat Phone Calls
Call Jewish friends and family before Shabbat to wish them a peaceful Shabbat.
Tell them you’ll be thinking of them as you celebrate and encourage them to celebrate as well.
6. Pray a Little Extra When Lighting Your Candles
Shabbat candles must be lit in every Jewish household 18 minutes before Shabbat. This is the case even if there is no woman present.
Before lighting, make sure to give some charity. Today, that’s a cinch to do online. And the time immediately before lighting candles is an especially propitious time for prayer.
After you’ve lit the candles and said the blessing, ask the One Above to protect and bless our glorious country.
7. Belt Out Shabbat Songs
There’s a longstanding tradition to sing zemirot (hymns) at the Shabbat table. Fill the space with louder singing, joyful singing and more happiness than ever. It’s the best thing you can do for your immune system!
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