Braided challah, made with eggs, is the Jewish Sabbath‑and‑holiday bread. It is surrounded by folklore and tradition. On Shabbat and other festive occasions a blessing is said over two loaves, symbolizing the double portion of manna that was distributed on Fridays to the children of Israel in the wilderness, after their Exodus from Egypt.
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Basics
The basics from candle lighting to havdalah.
The traditional Shabbat evening rituals are best shared with family and friends.
Shabbat observed at home is a day immersed in an atmosphere of rest, relaxation, and rejoicing.
Find out when Shabbat starts.
Sanctifying Sabbath and holidays, with special blessings over wine.
Foods
Make your own challah, round or braided.
Prepared Friday and slow-cooked overnight, cholent is the traditional Sabbath-day dish.
A traditional Jewish treat.
No coffee required.
The ultimate comfort food.
For Families
How to make Shabbat your family's favorite day of the week.
A spiritual gesture between parents and children.
Jewish hymns for the Sabbath day.
Seven reasons why, even though it's hard, it's really important to get to shul with the kids.
I was stuck at home on Friday night with my baby and thought, why not roast a chicken?
Prayers & Rituals
Expressing gratefulness for the week that passed as well as the day of rest.
Welcoming the Sabbath.
The Bible is the source of the notion that Shabbat is a taste of a perfected world to come.
We say goodbye to Shabbat in a bittersweet ceremony with wine, fragrance, and candlelight.
Shabbat doesn't have to end when the havdalah candle goes out.