Lighting the candles

The wife covers her head when lighting the two white Shabbat candles, as she recites the traditional blessings.

"Blessed are you Yahveh our Elohim, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and who sanctifies the Sabbath."

As she lights the first candle, representing the Creator, she says:  "Blessed are you Yahveh our Elohim, King of the universe, who brings forth Light from darkness."

As she lights the second candle, representing the Redeemer, she says:  "Blessed are you Yahveh our Elohim, King of the universe, who brings forth redemption through Messiah." 

Shabbat Candle Lighting video, taught by Rena Richman:   

Reciting The 'Shema'

The father, as head of the home, recites the "Shema" which is the cornerstone of Hebrew Life and offers a prayer of thanksgiving for this special evening.  

"Shema Israel - Hear O Israel, Yahveh our Elohim, Yahveh is One."  Deuteronomy 6:4  

In saying this prayer he proclaims that Yahveh Elohim is One and that he desires to be One with Him and obeying His Commandments.

Blessing Over The Wife
 
The husband reads Proverbs 31:10-31 over his wife and  blesses her as the Holy Spirit leads him. 

Blessing Over The Children

Traditionally, the father blesses his children according to their gifts and abilities, to inspire and edify them, by placing his hands on their heads. 

Blessing Over The Husband

As a compliment to her husband, the wife reads Psalm 1 over her husband and continues with a blessing from her heart, as the Holy Spirit leads her.

Washing Of The Hands

Water in scripture represents spiritual cleansing.  Washing  our hands indicate that we are ready to approach the Table of Yahveh, turning from the 'common' to the 'holy'.  The man pours water from a pitcher for every one to wash their hands as he gives thanks to Yahveh for the Shabbat.

Blessing Over The Bread

The braided bread is a picture of the Torah -Yahveh's Word -  who is also our Messiah.

A white napkin traditionally covers the bread, like the 'Manna' (daily portion) covered the ground, to remind us  that Yahveh is our Provider.

Place a little salt on your plate.  Salt is a preservative and a Reminder of the value of hard work  - "In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread" (Genesis 3:19) and "Ye are the salt of the earth."  (Matthew 5:13)

Starting with the man, every one breaks off a piece of bread and puts a little salt on it. The bread represents the Word of Yahveh.  Breaking (not cutting) it into small pieces is a symbol of the broken body of Messiah Yashua. 

When every one is ready, pray the blessing over the bread: 

With your right hand, lift the bread towards heaven, in honor of the King and say:  "Blessed are you YHVH our Elohim, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth." 

The Taking of Challah video, taught by Rena Richman:   

Blessing Over The Cup

Wine symbolizes joy and renewing of the covenant.  It also represents the Blood of Messiah Yashua.

With your right hand, lift your cup towards heaven, in honor of the King and say:  "Blessed are you Yahveh our Elohim, King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine."

Blessing Over The Food

This is the final blessing before the Shabbat meal.

Every one prays:  "Blessed are you Yahveh our Elohim, King of the universe, creator of all (kinds of) food."

Serving The Shabbat Meal

The table represents the Altar of Yahveh.  We approach it with clean hands and a pure heart.  The meal is a Peace Offering and a Fellowship that we share as a family in the presence of Yahveh Elohim.

Remember to make your table special.  Use your best dishes, invite a friend to share with you.  Take your time to enjoy this special evening.  Serve a special meal and make your own special family tradition to create lasting memories for your children.

Prayer After The Meal

"When (after) you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless Yahveh your Elohim (again)."  Deuteronomy 8:10

Pray from your heart and give thanks unto Yahveh for the blessings of the past week, then rest (shabbat) in Him, as it is written, "There remains therefore a rest (Shabbat) to the people of Yahveh.  For he that is entered into His rest (shabbat), he also has ceased from his own works, as Yahveh did from His."  Hebrews 4:9-10 

Shabbat Greeting

Greet each other with "Shabbat Shalom"