Some Shabbat at Home Ideas

Dear Friends,

I like to pass on to you some of the new ideas and practices I am sharing at the Shabbat around Seattle experiences. I have found these practices to greatly enhance the joy-oneg of Shabbat. This past Shabbat I spend with a lovely family in Newcastle. I shared with them a couple of traditions.

Following the Talmud in Shabbat I brought a shofar which we blew 6 times prior to candlelighting. Here is a paraphrasing of the source by Francine Klagsburn from her book, The 4th Commandment. When the Second Temple stood, six blasts of the Shofar announced the approachof the Sabbath to the Jewish community. The first blast signaled the farmers to stop their plowing. Digging, or other work in the fields. The second directed the merchants in the towns to place the shutters on their windows and close their shops. The third meant that all the cooking must end and the time had come to light the Sabbath lamp. Soon after, three more blasts proclaimed the official beginning of the Sabbath.

Blowing the shofar is a dramatic 'havdalah', differentiation from the week of work and stress. It signifies renewal and links up Shabbat with Rosh Hashannah. I have also learned that Jews never tire of hearing the shofar and that it has very positive associations. One suggestion: Let a kid blow the shofar. It helps him or her feel that Shabbat is special.

Just after candlighting we read a passage from Naomi Levy's beautiful book of prayers. When we read this, everyone chimed in with a comment of how helpful it was to move into the Shabbat mood.

A Prayer for Embracing Lifes Mystery A Prayer at Candlelighting I want to know You, God. I want to see the world through Your eyes. To feel intimately involved in all of creation. I want to know why things happen the way they do.

Help me, God to accept what I cannot understand, to accept life without constantly trying to control it. Teach me how to bend with life, how to repair what I canrepair, how to live with my questions, how to rejoice in Your wonders.

When I am faced with events that baffle and astound me, help me to transform my frustration into humility and awe. Teach me to embrace the mystery, God. Remind me to enjoy the ride.Thank you, God for this spectacular life.

Amen Rabbi Naomi Levy

She has another beautiful blessing which augments the ritual of blessing the children. Here is a prayer for children blessing parents:

A Blessing for Children to Say to a Parent(s)

You gave me my life. You give me your wisdom, your guidance, your concern, your love. You are my mentor, my protector, my moral compass, my comfort. There are no words to express my gratitude for all the blessings you have given me. Still, Itell you thank you. May God bless you as you have blessed me, with life, with health, with joy, and with love.

Amen Rabbi Naomi Levy

I recommend her book, Talking to God to see her many other beautiful prayers that she has composed for various occasions and situations.

I tried another idea this past Shabbat which worked out very well. I chose to highlight one of the Zemirot-table songs- for the evening. I took Mah Yedidut, one of the most fun of the zemirot and broke it down so that we sang stanzas from it throughout the dinner. Since many at the dinner were unfamiliar with the melody, I was able to help everyone master this beautiful zemer by singing one stanza at different intervals throughout the evening. This also enabled me to give commentary on the language, share insights into Shabbat, and to teach the concept of oneg-Sabbath joy-which is the main theme of the medieval song.

I will post my version of it on the blog for people to enjoy it and learn it.

Hope these are helpful ideas.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Dov Gartenberg