The Jewish day of rest, every week. It begins on Friday evening at sundown and lasts until Saturday night. It is a time to rest and be with family.
Two candles
lit on Friday evening
In many Jewish homes, a grown-up lights two candles on Friday evening to welcome Shabbat. The light says the day of rest has begun. Tradition gives the pair two jobs: remembering the day and keeping it.
Challah
HAH-lah
A soft, braided bread eaten on Shabbat. Many families put two loaves on the table. An old story tells of a double share of food gathered before the day of rest, and the two loaves remember it.
The cup
grape juice or wine
Before the meal, a grown-up says a short blessing over a cup of grape juice or wine. It marks the day as special and different from the busy week. Then the meal begins.
Kippah
kee-PAH · more than one: kippot, kee-POTE
A small cap. Some people wear one all day; some wear one for meals and prayers. It is a sign of respect. Many Jewish families do not wear them at all.
Rest
the big idea
The whole point of Shabbat: stopping work for one day each week to rest, slow down, and spend time with the people you love.
K–5 Lesson