they wore rags during the week, Shabbat was a day for wearing one’s finest
clothing. Even if they could not rest a minute because of the need to pursue a
livelihood, Shabbat was a day of complete rest and rejuvenation.

In order to enjoy a Shabbat free of household chores, it is traditional to clean
the house before Shabbat and prepare all meals in advance, so that the food
need only be warmed up to enjoy it (rather than cooked, which would violate
traditional Shabbat restrictions). Beginning just before sunset on Friday night,
it is traditional to light Shabbat candles, sing Shalom Aleichem (welcoming
angels to one’s table), make blessings over wine and bread, to bless one’s children,
and to enjoy a leisurely meal characterized by good food, stimulating conver-
sation, singing, and Jewish learning.

After attending synagogue, whether inviting a guest or friend home, being
invited to someone else’s house or sitting down to a meal with one’s family or
even alone, it is also traditional to enjoy a full Shabbat lunchtime meal similar
to the Friday evening repast. Shabbat afternoon is a time reserved for reading,
sleeping, talking, walking or studying Jewish texts — all activities that we often
claim that we never have enough time to do. And before sunset, to ensure three
full meals, traditional Jews enjoy a third meal in the late afternoon (either at
home or in the synagogue), appropriate individual prayers or synagogue services,
and the conclusion of Shabbat.

Because Shabbat is considered a foretaste of the idyllic World to Come,
Jewish tradition discourages ending Shabbat at the earliest possible moment.

Traditionally determined by the appearance of three stars in the night sky, Shab-
bat’s departure is marked by the ceremony of havdalah (“division”), which in-
cludes blessings over wine, spices or fragrant vegetation, and a multi-wicked
candle. Many Jewish communities delay the celebration of the conclusion of
Shabbat until later in the evening with a festive gathering known as amelaveh
malkah, literally meaning “accompanying the [Shabbat] Queen.” Envisioned
symbolically as a queen, Shabbat is escorted away with song and delicacies.

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THE GUIDE 2015/2016
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