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Jewish Life & Celebrations

Shabbat

Shabbes

Naomi Prawer Kadar
These excerpts from the Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring Cultural Jewish Lifestyle Program Guide on Shabbes suggest outlines for a cultural celebration.

Naomi Prawer Kadar, Shabbes, The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring, 1995

Background

Traditionally, Shabbes is much more than a day of rest for Jews. It is, rather, a concept, an ideal. It transcends being just a day in time, for it entails ceremonies and customs which exemplify the values intrinsic to a Jewish way of life and thought. Shabbes customs present a way in which to implement these values and also provide a way in which to teach and instill Jewish values in future generations. For those of us who do not adhere to the religious ritual observances, an understandng of them leads us to an intimate perception of one of the tradional pillars of Jewish life.

Legend has it that the celebration of Shabbes presents us with a taste of the world to come, of Paradise. On a less metaphorical level it affords us the opportunity to step back from our workday lives and to indulge in an appreciation of those aspects of life which, though they are quintessential, often are pushed into the background by other seemingly important matters. Shabbes endows, if not a “holiness” then surely a “specialness” to that which we might otherwise take for granted.

Through the customs and ceremonies of Shabbes we recognize that a person who has toiled during the week is deserving of a day of rest. We appreciate the unity and spirituality of family: respect between parents and children; between husband and wife. We take into consideration the needs of others who are less fortunate than we are by sharing with them through the acts of tsdoke (giving) and hospitality. Shabbes is the time when we traditionally strive toward peace within ourselves and with the world around us. It is a time set aside for learning, introspection and spirituality.

Shabbes is surrounded by ceremonies and customs which enhance the uniqueness of the day. Many Jews greet the Sabbath at sunset on Friday evening just as they would greet an important guest. Shabbes is often alluded to as a Queen or a Bride. A Jewish home is cleaned until it is spotless, “shabbesdik” food is prepared, beautiful clothes are put aside for the occasion, the table is covered with a white tablecloth and decorated with flowers. Candles, wine and khalleh also help to set this evening apart from all the other evenings of the week.

The whole family and guests are present for a leisurely meal accompanied by the singing of Shabbes songs. The atmosphere is one of warmth, festivity and conviviality which is called oyneg shabbes, the joy of Shabbes.

The Sabbath day itself is characterized by rest, study and the pleasure of being with family and friends.

Just as the Sabbath is greeted with ceremony, so she departs with ceremony. The havdoleh ceremony separates the specialness of Shabbes from the rest of the week, leaving the Jew spiritually and physically renewed for the upcoming week.


Excerpts from Shabbes Program

The lengthy week is at an end,
And with it work and weekday woe,
Encircled by family and friend,
We step back from time’s endless flow.
For all who toil deserve to rest,
And all who sow deserve to reap,
To benefit from all life’s best,
And to partake in Shabbes peace.

Candle-lighting
In lighting these Shabbes candles, we join Jews the world over, today, in the past, and in the future. May the candles illuminate our minds, warm our hearts and re-kindle our commitment to each other and to the Jewish people everywhere.

Social Justice
Shabbes contains in it the values and principles of true social justice. Not only the master may enjoy rest and freedom; Shabbes extends to the whole household. All who work should be allowed to enjoy the freedom to devote themselves to their own thoughts, and to spend free time as they wish. A person who tastes freedom will appreciate it and will struggle to keep it. This is one of the greatest values the Jewish people have given to the world.

Kiddish
In the warm glow of the candles’ shine,
We lift the brimming cup of wine,
As Jews for centuries before,
Sharing Jewish life and Jewish lore,
In praise of harmony and rest,
Ideals of justice, freedom’s quest,
A world of brotherhood and peace,
Where poverty and hate will cease.
At our Shabbes celebration,
We renew our dedication,
To all that’s Jewish/Yiddish,
In this our special Kiddish.

Khalleh
In tasting bread on Shabbes, we remember the hungry.
In learning on Shabbes, we combat ignorance.
In celebrating Shabbes, we resist the forces of
Assimilation and negation of our heritage.

Let us cut the khalleh, and share the product of earth's
bounty and people's efforts.

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