question for Jewish Families

[Anonymous]

up to now, we haven't incorporated Shabbat into a regular event in our home. We are committed to changing that and would like to begin as our kids are young and the oldest, just began Hebrew school. I was raised in a home where Shabbat was not observed while my husband's family always did. How to start? It feels a little awkward to me but I really want my children to observe Shabbat. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks!

[Anonymous]

http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Jewish-Moms-Guide-Shabbat/dp/0061120650

This is a really good book for people in your situation. The author lives in the DC area (I don't know her or have any connection to her, just like the book).

Also, our synagogue has a guide for getting started. You could ask there.

[Anonymous]

The simplest, smoothest way to start, IMO, is to just makes sure everyone's home Friday night, light candles, say the blesssing, bless/break the bread and eat shabbat dinner together. I wish we were more consistent with this, because it's really nice.

[Anonymous]

We have been talking about doing the same. I was brought up secular so for me the best thing is baby steps. If you haven't already made Friday "family night", start there. Make sure everyone is home for dinner--no exceptions (for now, at least). We are starting by lighting shabbat candles and having a nice family dinner together. Next I think we will start adding in a few prayers.

I would recommend you talk to the teachers at your child(rens) school. They may have suggestions. Also there is a Jewish outreach group called NJOP, that sponsors a program called "Shabbat across America". Check out this link: http://www.njop.org/html/Shabbat_beginners_service.html

HTH!

[Anonymous]

We also make challah, which is fun for the kids.

But otherwise, buy a challah and make dinner - it doesn't have to be extravagant.

My kids each have a special kiddush cup they were given as babies, and they get to use their fancy china for Shabbat. They also get to drink grape-juice, which we don't do for the rest of the week. To them, it is a very special occasion. After the prayers, we don't do anything different from other nights, but it feels special.

Shabbat Shalom!

[Anonymous]

op here-thanks for the suggestions-I love the Modern Mom Guide, will def buy it. Shabbot Shalom!

[Anonymous]

It does feel awkward at first. The first thing is to get you and your husband to agree this is a priority. You make sure dinner is on real dishes, eaten together, and served nicely. You don't have to cook it yourself - peruvian chicken is great for this.

You take a deep breath, and you just do it.

Then, one day, you will be stressed getting it all together, but exhale as you light the candles, and realize all is good.

I promise it will be less awkward within two months.

(we use the kiddish cup I bought for our wedding, and my son uses his great great grand dad's)

[Anonymous]

OP, are you going to cook on the Shabbat?

[Anonymous]

We started making Shabbat an every-week occurance when our kids were in nursery; their school raised funds by offering flowers and challah every Friday, so it was easy. We did wine for adults, soda (a treat) for kids, candles, and challah. Not a fancy dinner, but it had to be something everyone liked. It easily became a habit.

As kids got older, and had Friday afternoon activities, we had years of Shabbat pasta - tortellini, ravioli, whatever I could cook quickly.

The key was making it easy for everyone - no huge deal, this is just what we do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, are you going to cook on the Shabbat?

probably. We don't eat out much..why do you ask?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OP, are you going to cook on the Shabbat?


She's taking a first small step. She doesn't have to be shomer shabbos to be legitimately leading a jewish life.

[GenXPlanner]

Friends of ours just started with kiddush - the blessing made on a cup of wine Friday night. Their son was 5 at the time and he really got into it - it was his job to get the cup and the kippah his dad would wear when he made the blessing. They're still making kiddush together every Friday night and everyone enjoys spending some time together. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

To me, the nicest thing is the day of rest. We are not Orthodox, but we try at least once a month to have a true day of rest, it is the only thing we do that looks slightly Jewish. It is really nice, no cooking for me (we do use electricity), no engagements, no travel, no nothing. I love it.