We invite everyone to join the conversation about observing Shabbat today. This is the place to discuss everything from ways to celebrate at home to our relationship with God and Jewish community, as well as recipes and Jewish art projects - all in the context of Shabbat.
Judith's ShabbatDecember 27, 2007
Judith Bitterman, of Temple Emeth in Teaneck, NJ writes:
Shabbat begins for me on Friday night. On Friday morning, before I leave for work, I set my table and get my candles ready to light when I get home. I make a nice dinner and, using the Birkon Mikdash M'at, I make kiddush (including the Va'Y'chulu) and Motzi. When I am finished eating, I chant the Birkat HaMazon. Then I attend services, either at my home congregation or at another shul, if there is a special program that I want to attend. On Shabbat morning, I am up early to attend Torah study at my shul (Yes, I am Reform; I just like the Yiddish word for our place of gathering, learning and worship) and then attend services.
Afterwards, I frequently have lunch with a friend where we talk about
the events of the day, the Rabbi's d'var Torah, committee business, or other weighty (and not so weighty) matters. After lunch, I go about my business or go home to read or listen to music, depending on what errands/chores are pressing. Since I live in the only county in NJ that still has blue laws, there are times when I have to shop or do errands on Shabbat, but I am always conscious of the nature of the day, somehow. I find that the investment in time that I make in doing these activities at my shul repay me many times in the closeness I feel to God and to my friends at my congregation. It truly is my community. 
1 CommentsLeave a comment |
What a nice idea! Setting the Shabbos table before candle lighting is usually a luxury! But, I love this idea of setting the table and bringing out the candles before work.
I'm usually the person who usually makes Shabbat at home for others, but it would be a nice "surprise" to walk in the door erev Shabbos with *something* seemingly prepared for me. With all that behind-the -scenes work that I do, the mystery and magic, insofar as they are Shabbosdik, seem lost by the time I'm ready to light.
The last-minute Shabbos rush is less than ideal. Perhaps this is the year that I'll change it up a bit and do myself a favor. Thanks for the fabulous idea!