Archive for October 2017
How To: The Ritual Hand Washing and Blessing Over the Bread on Shabbat
This short instructional video, part of The Jewish Living Series of Perelman Jewish Day School, provides a detailed explanation of the ritual hand washing and the blessing over the bread on Shabbat, according to Ashkenazic
Prayer for the Rebuilding of the Temple After Candle Lighting
There is a custom to recite this prayer for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after making the blessing over the Shabbat candles. This is the same prayer that is said by
Braided Challah: Integrating the Mundane & the Holy
This article explores the meaning behind the braiding of the Shabbat challah, suggesting that it symbolizes the weaving of our weekday mentality into a Shabbat state of mind. The author, Rabbi Yossi Lipsker is the
HaMotzi(ah) with Masculine and Feminine God-Language
This post presents the blessing over the bread both in its traditional format (i.e. with masculine God-language) and using feminine God-language, an option that reflects the blend of Jewish tradition with modern feminist
Shabbat Home Ritual: Challah
In this short post, Sarah Fishman describes the basics of the challah ceremony, as part of an article introducing the Shabbat home rituals of candle lighting, kiddush over wine, and challah (bread). The
Senator Joe Lieberman: On Candle Lighting
In this short post, former American Senator Joe Lieberman describes the candle lighting experience in his own home, including several ideas that make it personally meaningful. Although the quotes are from Lieberman’s book,
Learn the Candle Lighting Blessing with “Prayer-eoke”
This video demonstrates the singing of the blessing over the Shabbat candles clearly and slowly with Hebrew and transliterated subtitles. The video was created by Rabbi Ahuva Zaches of Congregation Or Ami (Reform) in Richmond, VA,
A Shabbat Eve Meditation: Breathing Exercises around Shabbat Candle Lighting
This is a short poem written to guide a group meditation at the time of welcoming Shabbat, either before or after candle lighting. It encourages group members to focus on their breathing, using