In the Jewish calendar, days begin at sundown as they did in the story of creation. Whether we observe Shabbat or not, it comes each week. It is our choice to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” as it says in the Ten Commandments. It is the remembering that is important. Remember to plan a meal that you can all eat together, with family or friends, at the same time! It can be a special meal or a simple meal. It can be pizza picked up after a hard day at work, a potluck, or something you cooked yourself. It is being together for the purpose of that “remembering” that makes the day special.

Later when it becomes more of a habit, you might invite friends, eat more elaborately, add songs and dancing. You may even arrange to be home early to bake challah, the traditional braided loaf of bread.

The Guide to Shabbat and Havdalah for Interfaith Families is available as a PDF and our booklet Shabbat: What to Expect in the Synagogue, Shabbat Made Easy, and Havdalah Made Easy are available for download.

Return to the Guide to Shabbat and Havdalah for Interfaith Families.