1.Preparations begin on Friday at home with an evening service –
KANNALAT
SHABBAT. To celebrate the climax of creation when God finished his work.
2.The
Sabbath is welcomed at home with candles, Psalms are sung.
3.The day of the Sabbath (Saturday) was chosen by God and laid down
in the 10 commandments.
4.Parents bless their children & the father recites the prayer of
sanctification – KIDDUSH.
5.Hands are washed as part of a prescribed ritual before the meal.
6.Special loaves – HALLOT are broken and passed round. They are
shaped in a plait and symbolise, God, the Torah & his people.
7.Salt is sprinkled on the bread as a sign of human labour and the
covenant (Leviticus 2.13).
8.Between courses, songs can be sung – ZEMIROF.
9.At the end of the meal they look to the future and their hopes as
God’s people.
10.After attending the morning synagogue service – they enjoy a
midday meal prepared the day before and then spend the rest of the day
resting & learning.
11.At the end of the day a cup of wine is drunk which merges the
Sabboth with the other days, the act of separation – HAVDALAH.
12.A song is sung about the coming Messiah when the joy of the Sabbath
rest and peace will be enjoyed universally.
