Explore our Shabbat programming for you and your children!
What is Shabbat? Glad you asked!
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, taking place in the 25-hour period between sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday. Some families choose to take a break from the hustle and bustle of weekday life and spend time together and with community.
Each Friday evening, families around the world begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. An erev Shabbat (Friday evening) ritual that is both simple and beautiful is to light candles to “usher in” the Sabbath and set it apart from the weekday world. Immediately after lighting candles, special blessings are said over the wine or grape juice, the challah, and in many families, over the children as well.
Books
Fridays Are Special
Written by Chris Barash
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
Ages: 2 to 3 Years
For this child’s family, Fridays aren’t like other days. On Fridays, the hustle and bustle is a little different. Everyone seems to be getting ready for something special — something cozy and wonderful. What could it be?
One Fine Shabbat
Written by Chris Barash
Illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Ages: 2 to 3 Years
Seth and Sadie Fine look forward to Shabbat all week, when they spend quality time with their parents doing cozy, meaningful activities. It’s a Fine day indeed!
Braid the Challah
Written by Beily Paluch
Illustrated by Patti Argoff
Ages: 2 to 3 Years
How exactly does a clump of ingredients turn into a beautiful challah? This playful rhyming book shows you — complete with pantomimes! Whether spinning like a mixer or rising on tiptoes, your child will love acting out the delicious transformation.
Bim and Bom: A Shabbat Tale
Written by Daniel J. Swartz
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
Ages: 3 to 4 Years
Bim, a house builder, and her brother Bom, a baker, work hard all week, and then spend every Friday doing good deeds, mitzvot. At sundown, they joyfully meet to celebrate Shabbat together.
Saturdays Are Special
Written by Chris Barash
Illustrated by Abigail Marble
Ages: 3 to 4 Years
In this child’s household, Shabbat is different from the rest of the week — slower, quieter, more peaceful. Most of all, everyone has more time to spend with one another. That’s what makes Saturdays so special.
