Shabbat
candlesticks are lit 18 minutes before sunset each Friday.
Before the onset
of Shabbat by Jewish women, usually the mother/wife, though men
who live alone are required to do so themselves.
It is customary
to light two candles, although some families light more, sometimes
in accordance with the number of children.
Although most Shabbat laws are restrictive, the fourth of the Ten
Commandments in Exodus is taken by the Talmud to allude to the positive
commandments of the Shabbat. These include:
Honoring
Shabbat (kavod Shabbat): Preparing for the upcoming Shabbat by
bathing, having a haircut, and cleaning and beautifying the home
(with flowers, for example). On Shabbat itself, wearing festive
clothing and refraining from unpleasant conversation. It is customary
to avoid talk about money or business matters on Shabbat.
Recitation
of Kiddush over a cup of wine at the beginning of the first and
second Shabbat meals, or at a reception after the conclusion of
morning prayers (see list of Jewish prayers and blessings)
Two
homemade whole-wheat challahs covered by traditional embroidered
Shabbat challah cover.
Eating
three festive meals. Meals begin with a blessing over two loaves
of bread (lechem mishneh), usually a braided challah, which is
symbolic of the double portion of manna which fell for the Jewish
people during their 40 years in the desert after the Exodus from
Egypt. It is customary to serve meat or fish, and sometimes both,
for the Shabbat evening and morning meals. The third meal, eaten
late Shabbat afternoon, is called Seudah Shlishit (literally,
"Third Meal"). This is generally a light meal and may
be parve or dairy.
Enjoying
Shabbat (oneg Shabbat): Engaging in pleasurable activities such
as eating, singing, spending time with the family and marital
relations.
Observing
the closing Havdalah ritual in 14th-century Spain.
Recitation
of Havdalah at the conclusion of Shabbat at nightfall (over a
cup of wine, and with the use of fragrant spices and a candle).
Judaic
Online store that provides a wide selection of all types of Judaica,
Candlesticks, Jewish gifts, Jewish books, Jewish ritual items
and www.judaic.com
Aharon's Jewish Books and Judaica
600 South Holly Street Suite 103
Denver, Colorado 80246
303-322-7345
800-830-8660
Shabbat
candlesticks are lit 18 minutes before sunset each Friday.