Shabbat

Customs.

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A Reform Prayer for Kislev & Hannukah

This link opens up the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of a prayer that can be read from the beginning of the

Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim is a short paragraph added to the Amidah prayer and the Grace After Meals on Hannukah, thanking God

Abbreviated Grace After Meals: The Four Blessings

This post includes the Hebrew text of the abbreviated version of the Grace After Meals, along with a printable PDF

Mizrahi Grace After Meals (Hebrew Audio & Text)

This post presents the Hebrew text and an audio recording of the full weekday Grace After Meals, according to the custom

Ashkenazi Grace After Meals (Audio + Text)

This recording presents the complete Grace After Meals according to Ashkenazi custom, sung with the modern Israeli pronunciation of Hebrew in

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Informative Articles & Videos.

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What is So Special About the Aliyahs?

With references to halachic and Kabbalistic sources, this brief article from Chabad.org explains why being called up to the Torah

The Structure & Mystical Meaning of Kabbalat Shabbat

This post presents two approximately 4 minute long videos by Rabbi David Paskin introducing the basic structure and meaning behind

The King and Queen in the Field: Reimagining a God Metaphor in Elul (Article & Poem)

The article and poem by Alden Solovy explore two traditional metaphors of God – the harsh King often seen throughout Bible,

Introduction to the Kabbalat Shabbat Prayer Service

This introductory article describes the origins and structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat services, noting various customs practiced in different communities.

Guide to the Friday Night Synagogue Services

Great for beginners, this brief excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning

Welcoming the Sabbath with Kabbalat Shabbat, Lecha Dodi and Ma’ariv

This introductory article by George Robinson outlines the basic structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat and evening prayer service, including an explanation

What Is Havdalah?

This thorough article from Chabad.org provides a comprehensive introduction to the Havdalah ceremony that concludes Shabbat, including an outline of

Kiddush as a Bridge Between the Physical & Spiritual

This short video provides a brief and meaningful explanation for why Jews make Kiddush at Shabbat meals. Arik Singer, a former

What is Kiddush?

This short video provides a playful but informative discussion about how and why we make Kiddush. Rabbi John Carrier of

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on Havdalah (Plus How To, Text & Audio)

Great for beginners, this thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on Daytime Kiddush (Plus Text & Audio)

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik begins with meaningful explanations as to why Kiddush is recited during

Women and Zimmun

This two page article by Jennifer Breger summarizes the complicated subject of a women’s participation in a “Zimmun,” (literally, “invitation”)

JOFA: The Women’s Role in Kiddush, HaMotzi & Havdallah

The following excerpt from the article “Halachot of Kiddush, HaMotzi and Havdalah, printed by The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA),

Kiddush: Stand or Sit?

This responsum, written for Aish.com’s “Ask The Rabbi” column, explains the halachic reasoning behind some of the different customs regarding whether the

Pre-Candle-Lighting Tzedakah Custom for Children

This short post suggests a creative way to involve children in the custom of giving charity before lighting Shabbat candles.

How Kiddush Became Part of the Synagogue Service

This article by the late German Jewish scholar Rabbi Ismar Elbogen discusses how the Kiddush was introduced into the synagogue service in

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

Rabbi Abraham Twerski: Candle Lighting and a Child’s Self Worth

In this short post, Rabbi Abraham Twerski relays his childhood memories of his mother lighting the Shabbat candles, focusing on

Six Strand Braided Challah: The Unity of Shabbat

This article explores the meaning behind the custom of braiding of the Shabbat challah with six strands, suggesting that it

Shabbat Home Ritual: Candle Lighting

In this short post, Sarah Fishman describes the basics of the candle lighting ceremony, as part of an article introducing

Shabbat Home Ritual: Kiddush

In this short post, Sarah Fishman describes the basics of the Kiddush ceremony, as part of an article introducing the

Shabbat Home Ritual: Challah

In this short post, Sarah Fishman describes the basics of the challah ceremony, as part of an article introducing the

Reb Zalman Schachter Shalomi: Shabbat Candle Lighting as a Lesson in Faith

This interview describes how watching his mother light Shabbat candles was a formative spiritual experience for Reb Zalman Schacther Shalomi,

Sacred Ritual: Lighting Shabbat Candles

This short article serves as an introduction to the basics of the candle lighting ceremony, including who lights candles, with what

An Academic Approach to the Meaning of Shabbat Candles

In this highly sourced academic article, Dr. Ismar Schorsch explores how and why lighting Shabbat candles is of paramount importance in

Shabbat Candles: Why is it Called ‘A Women’s Mitzvah?’

This article, reprinted on My Jewish Learning from JOFA, the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, mentions a variety of candle lighting customs,

The Meaning Behind the Flames

In this comprehensive article, Rhona Lewis shares many of the deep spiritual and kabbalistic teachings behind the mitzvah of lighting

“Benching” 101: The Origin, Stucture, Customs and History of the Grace After Meals

This comprehensive introductory article by Kate Palley provides a thorough explanation for people of all knowledge levels on the origin, structure, customs, and history

Alone Time: Why We Usher the Shabbat Angels Out

In this article from Chabad.org, Rabbi Elly Krimsky explores why we bid farewell to the accompanying angels in Shalom Aleichem, focusing on

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on Shalom Aleichem (Plus Text & Audio)

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik provides meaningful explanations as to why Shalom Aleichem is recited at the

Introduction to the Blessing over the Bread

This short article offers a brief introduction to the blessing over the bread, including an explanation of the purpose of

Challah Kabbalah: How to Make Mystical Bread for Shabbat

This short video, created by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), transforms the mundane act of making bread into a holy and

The Mitzvah of Separating Challah

This introductory article by Rabbi Mendy Hecht explains the commandment of ‘Hafrashat Challah’ (‘separating challah’), complete with the English transliteration and

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on HaMotzi

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik includes spiritual explanations for many of the customs surrounding the HaMotzi ritual

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on HaMotzi

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik includes spiritual explanations for many of the customs surrounding the HaMotzi ritual

Reform: Explaining the HaMotzi Ritual

The following excerpt from “Shabbat Customs,” published by ReformJudaism.org, describes the various customs pertaining to the blessing over the bread on

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan: The Connection Between the Exodus and Challah

This excerpt from “Sabbath: Day of Eternity” by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan describes the deep spiritual connection between the Exodus from Egypt

HaMotzi: The Primordial Past & The Messianic Future

This excerpt from “The Way Into Jewish Prayer (Jewish Lights)” by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman explores how the words of the blessing over

Rav Kook on HaMotzi: For All Times

This excerpt from “Gold from the Land of Israel” by Rabbi Chanan Morrison is a textual analysis of the word “HaMotzi” as

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef: Women’s Obligation in HaMotzi and Shabbat Meals

This article, written by Halacha Yomit (Daily Laws), describes the women’s obligation to participate in the blessing over the bread and

Rabbi Yechial Eckstein: The Spiritual Significance of Challah

In this clear video, Rabbi Yechial Eckstein describes the spiritual meaning of challah and how it differs from regular bread. Rabbi Eckstein

Why We Cover the Bread During HaMotzi

This article from Chabad.org provides biblical, Talmudic and halachic reasons for the custom of covering the challah before and during the HaMotzi blessing. In

Why We ‘Scratch’ the Challah before Bircat HaMotzi

This article from Chabad.org discusses the halachic (legal) and Kabbalistic (mystical) explanations for ‘scratching’ the Challah before the blessing over the bread on

Why We Dip the Bread in Salt During the HaMotzi Ritual

This responsum from Chabad.org discusses the origins of dipping bread into salt before eating it as part of the HaMotzi ritual. Rabbi Yehuda

Covering Our Eyes During Shabbat Candle Lighting

This post explains the halachic reasoning behind the popular custom of covering one’s eyes while reciting the blessing after lighting

Lighting Candles: A Spiritual Cure-all

In this thought-provoking article, psychologist, Dr. Miriam Biber, explores the unique spiritual power of lighting the Shabbat candles through personal anecdotes and biblical, Talmudic

Shabbat Candle Lighting: Empowering or Restricting to Women?

The following article addresses whether the tradition of women lighting Shabbat candles is empowering or restricting. The anonymous author explores the

The History and Symbolism of Lighting Shabbat Candles

In this short, informative video, Rabbi Michael Laitner offers both historical and spiritual explanations for the Shabbat evening candle lighting and

Women in Judaism: Lighting Shabbat Candles

This article explains how lighting Shabbat candles brings peace and harmony into the home, both practically and symbolically, and why this

Reconstructionist Thought on Candle Lighting

In this short excerpt from the essay “Exploring Judaism: A Reconstructionist Approach,” Shabbat candle lighting is expounded on as an example

Waving the Hands Before Candle Lighting: A Kabbalistic Understanding

This short post explores the Halachic (Jewish law) and Kabbalistic (Jewish mysticism) explanations as to why those lighting the Shabbat evening

The History of Lighting the Shabbat Candles

In this excerpt from the article, “Lighting Sabbath Candles,” Avi Lazerson discusses the historical and textual explanations for the commandment of lighting

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on How and Why to Light the Candles

The following video from Jewish Online Guides, an educational initiative by The United Synagogue, explores the lighting of the Shabbat

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Quotes on Shabbat Candles

These poetic quotes from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel describe the moment when Shabbat arrives, bringing with it an atmosphere of light, peace,

The Connection Between Giving Tzedakah and Shabbat Candle Lighting

The following article describes the practice of giving tzedakah (charity) before lighting the Shabbat evening candles, along with an explanation

Candle Lighting: The Test of Time

The following excerpt from the article “Truth Stands the Test of Time” explains how the Shabbat candles are symbolic of

Shabbat Candles as a Revelation of the Hidden Light of Creation

The following excerpt is a translation and explanation of a Hasidic text relating to Shabbat candle lighting, from The Sabbath Soul: Mystical

Candle Lighting: A Blessing or a Curse to Women?

In the following excerpt from Wendy I. Zierler’s article, “Shedding Feminist Light on the Sabbath Candles,” Zierler explores the possibility

Kiddush in Kabbalistic Thought

In this excerpt from “The Thirteen Petalled Rose,” Talmudic scholar Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz provides a step-by-step interpretation of the ritual

Kiddush: Shabbat and the Possibility of Transformation

Using both Hassidic and classic commentaries, these excerpts from the article “Shabbat and the Possibility of Transformation” explore Kiddush as

The Role of Wine in Jewish Tradition

This excerpt, from an article by Rabbi Maurice Lamm, explains the integral place of wine in Sabbath, festival, and wedding

Kiddush as a Refelction of the Jews’ Universal and Particular Relationship with God

This excerpt from the article “The Dual Nature of Shabbat Observance” provides insight into how the text of Kiddush reflects

Shabbat as Rest from Creation

In this article, Rabbi David Aaron explores the deeper meaning of rest on Shabbat, as referenced in the Friday night Kiddush, by

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel: Kiddush and the Sanctification of Time

This excerpt from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s “The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man,” explores the idea of Shabbat as a symbol for

Kiddush: At Home or Synagogue?

This article, ideal for readers with an interest in the development of Jewish law and custom, discusses whether the Friday

A Woman Before God: Candle Lighting Throughout the Generations

This article discusses the strong feminine aspect of the candle lighting ritual, including how various traditions which have been handed down

“Shamor” and “Zachor”: Observe and Remember

This blog post by Rabbi Adam Feldman explores the dual language of “shamor” and “zachor” used in the Torah to

HuffPost Blog: “Going Dark” on Shabbat

In this blog post, Ellie Krupnick shares her personal journey of coming to appreciate the refuge from technology and work offered

Sarah’s Light: The Candles that Never Waned

This enlightening article explores the age old connection between Jewish women and Shabbat candles, explaining references to the Matriarch, Sarah, lighting Shabbat

Shabbat Observance in Alaska: Lighting Shabbat Candles Without Sunset

In this article, Rabbi Dov Gartenberg shares his thoughts and halachic insights about Shabbat observance when living in Alaska, where

Switching On Shabbat: Temples in Time

Referencing Jewish thinkers Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Blu Greenberg, this article describes lighting the Shabbat candles as a transformative

A Historical Approach to the Composition and Structure of the Grace After Meals

This thorough article by Rabbi Yizchak Etshalom outlines the structure of the Grace After Meals, explaining how the Biblical command to

The Significance of Fire in Judaism

This excerpt notes the universally recognized power of fire, as well as its particular significance in Jewish ritual, such as

Candle Lighting as a Spiritual Union

This piece provides a mystical explanation of the Shabbat candle lighting ritual, applying ancient Kabbalistic concepts in a way that

The Sabbath as a Journey Through the Worlds

In this piece, the author describes Shabbat as a holistic experience, beginning with the lighting of the Shabbat candles. She

Chabad Customs: The Background and Details of Shalom Aleichem

This short post presents the background and halachic details surrounding Shalom Aleichem, according to the Shulchan Aruch Harav – the

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Learn How.

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Traditional Rosh Hashanah Evening & Daytime Kiddush

This post offers links to the traditional evening and daytime Kiddush ceremonies performed on Rosh Hashanah. The page for the

Learn the Blessing Before Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”

This video demonstrates the singing of the blessing one recites upon being called up to the Torah for an aliyah during Torah

What To Expect At Synagogue Services on Saturday Morning

This informative article by Conservative Rabbi Daniel Kohn provides a guide for bar/bat mitzvah guests and other newcomers to Shabbat worship services, including explanations

Learn the Reform Blessings Before & After Reading the Haftarah with “Prayer-eoke”

These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the reading of the haftarah in Reform congregations.

Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading & the Concept of Chosenness

This short video demonstrates how to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading according to the Reconstructionist tradition,

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: How To Have an Aliyah

This short video from Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks demonstrates what to do and say when being called up to the Torah for

Learn to Chant the Blessings for the Aliyah

This interactive online tool from Chabad.org allows you to learn to recite the traditional blessings before and after the Torah

Learn the Blessings Before & After Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”

These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading, when called up for an

How to Have an Aliyah

In this 4 minute long instructional video from MyJewishLearning.com, Rabbi Steven Exler explains and demonstrates what to do and say

Learn How to Sing the Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat Service

This 16 minute long video by Rabbi Eli Garfinkel demonstrates how to sing the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service, with Hebrew, English

Guide to the Friday Night Synagogue Services

Great for beginners, this brief excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning

How to Perform the Orthodox Ashkenazi Havdalah Ceremony

This 3 and a half minute long video demonstrates how to perform the Havdalah ceremony that concludes Shabbbat. Narrated by Rabbi

How to Perform the Reform Havdalah Ceremony

In this 6 and a half minute long video, Rabbi Katie Bauman provides meaningful explanations and practical instructions for how to perform the

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on Havdalah (Plus How To, Text & Audio)

Great for beginners, this thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning

How to Recite the Reform Abbreviated Grace After Meals

In this instructional video, Rabbi Gary Pokras demonstrates how to recite the abbreviated version of the Grace After Meals for Shabbat

Let’s Learn T’fillah: The First Paragraph of Ashkenazi Birkat Hamazon

This short animated video from Rabbi David Paskin demonstrates how to sing the first paragraph of the Ashkenazi Grace After Meals

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on Daytime Kiddush (Plus Text & Audio)

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik begins with meaningful explanations as to why Kiddush is recited during

Traditional Ashkenazi Shalom Aleichem (Audio & Text)

This post includes the Hebrew, English, and transliterated lyrics to Shalom Aleichem, traditionally sung before Kiddush at the beginning of

The Shabbat Project: How to Sing Shalom Aleichem (Sephardic/Mizrahi)

This post includes a two-page step-by-step guide explaining how to recite Shalom Aleichem according to Sephardic (Mizrahi) tradition, including the

Moishe House: Friday Night Shabbat Rituals

This less than 5 minute long animated video introduces the basic Shabbat rituals performed on Friday night, including the candle lighting ceremony,

Printable Hand Washing & Hamotzi Guide

This simple one-page card from Aish.com provides the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings for the ritual washing

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

The Shabbat Project: Sephardic Hand Washing & HaMotzi Guide

This two-page resource includes a detailed step-by-step guide explaining how to fulfill the ritual washing of the hands and the blessing

A Guide to Candle Lighting + Lighting Candles in Auschwitz

This two-page resource includes a simple explanation of how to light the Shabbat candles according to the Ashkenazic custom, the

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

Laws and Customs Practiced in Preparation for the Grace After Meals

In this halachic discourse, Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir of the Orthodox Union, discusses the obligations and customs Jews practice before

How To Make Kiddush (Hebrew)

This Hebrew video shows a family singing the songs and performing the Kiddush ceremony conducted at the beginning of the Friday night

Learn the HaMotzi Blessing with “Prayer-eoke”

This short, to the point video demonstrates the singing of the blessing over the bread on Shabbat clearly and slowly with Hebrew

Clear Recitation of Blessing Over the Bread with Subtitles

This short, to the point video clearly demonstrates how to recite the blessing over the bread according to most traditions. It not

HaMotzi: Origins, Laws and Customs

This detailed article by Chaviva Gordon-Bennett explains the meaning, origins, customs, and practical how-to’s of the blessing over the bread on Shabbat,

How to Separate Challah: Sephardic & Ashkenazi Customs

This excerpt from “The Secret of Challah” by Shira Wiener & Ayelet Yifrach provides clear and concise directions for both Ashkenazim and

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: How To Make Hamotzi

This short video from Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks demonstrates how to perform the blessing over the bread on Shabbat according to Orthodox

Chabad: Origins, Laws and Customs of the Two Loaves

This thorough article, written by Rabbi Aryeh Citron of Chabad.org, discusses both the meaning behind the two loaves used for the blessing

Students Explain the HaMotzi Customs

This short, humorous video, created by students at Makor of Hebrew College, describes several customs pertaining to the HaMotzi ritual performed

Aish: How to Make HaMotzi

The following responsum, written by Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld for Aish.com’s Ask The Rabbi, column, describes how to perform the blessing over the

Shabbat Candle Lighting: An Introduction

The following article briefly explains the basic structure of the candle lighting ceremony and some related customs, including the text

Detailed Guide to Shabbat Candles in Jewish Law

This is a highly technical article about the laws of lighting Shabbat candles according to Orthdox halacha, meant for those

Candle Lighting Times

This short article explains exactly when to light Shabbat candles, according to Orthodox halacha, as well as what one can do if

Shabbat Candles FAQ

This article contains clear and detailed answers, according to an Orthodox Jewish perspective, to a number of frequently asked questions

A Beginners’ Guide to Shabbat Candle Lighting: Article and Video

The following article, How to Light Shabbat Candles, by Rabbi Michael Strassfeld, Richard Siegel and Sharon Strassfeld, discusses both the

How to Light Shabbat Candles: Kabbalistic Wisdom

This video describes how to light the Friday evening Shabbat candles according to the Orthodox Ashkenazi tradition. In addition to the recitation

Introduction: How to Light the Shabbat Candles

This introductory video provides a step-by-step explanation on how to light the Shabbat evening candles according to Asheknazic tradition, using captions, pictures,

Chabad: How and Why We Light the Shabbat Candles

In this 18 min. lecture, Rabbi Yosef Shusterman, renowned Chabad rabbi and authority on Jewish law and Hassidut, gives an

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on How and Why to Light the Candles

The following video from Jewish Online Guides, an educational initiative by The United Synagogue, explores the lighting of the Shabbat

Lighting Candles: A ‘How-to’ for Kids

This karaoke video demonstrates how to light the Shabbat candles, including subtitles in Hebrew as well as the translation and transliteration

How to Light Shabbat Candles: Bringing Light to your Family

This video, by Rabbi Janet Ross Marder, describes how to light the Shabbat evening candles, with a focus on bringing

Chabad: How to Light Shabbat Candles

This short instructional video describes and illustrates step-by-step instructions on how to light the Friday night Shabbat candles at home. This video is

How to Light Shabbat Candles: Reform Tradition & Customs

This video demonstrates how to light the Shabbat candles and recite the blessing according to the Reform tradition. In the first

Aish: How To Light Shabbat Candles

The following ‘how to’ video provides step-by-step instructions on how to light the Friday night Shabbat candles according to the Orthodox

Kiddush FAQs

This article answers basic questions about how to make Kiddush on Friday night, including who can make Kiddush and when,

Students Teach How To Make Kiddush

This short, quirky home video features students from the Conservative Hebrew High School of Congregation Beth El of Voorhees, NJ, acting out

Kiddush 101: Discover Everything About Kiddush

This detailed article by Chaviva Gordon-Bennett explains the meaning, origins, customs, and practical how-to’s of the Kiddush ceremony according to Orthodox Ashkenazi

How to Make Kiddush: A Step-by-Step Guide from Chabad

This article includes a short introduction to the Kiddush from a Chabad-Lubavitch Orthodox perspective, including a breakdown of the structure of

How to Recite the Ashkenazi Friday Night Kiddush

In this 7:42 long video, Cantor Michael Weis explains and demonstrates how to say Kiddush on Friday night, including on-screen Hebrew text

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks & Chabad: How to Perform Friday Night Kiddush

This short video, narrated by Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, provides an introduction to the Friday night Kiddush, as well as

Common Mistakes Made During Kiddush

In this 8:33 long video, Rabbi Joel Finkelstein of the Modern Orthodox Anshei Sphard Beth El Emeth Congregation in Memphis, Tennessee, goes through

How to Light Shabbat Candles: Conservative Tradition

This article provides a concise overview of the ritual of lighting Shabbat candles in the home on Friday night, including

Learning and Schmoozing with the Rabbis: Making Kiddush

In this informative and amusing video, ideal for beginners, Rabbi Rafi Rank and Rabbi Josh Hearshen provide basic information about how to

A Complete Guide to Performing a Traditional Friday Night Kiddush: Text & Audio

This step-by-step guide explains how to perform the basic Orthodox Ashkenazi Kiddush, including the Hebrew, English, and transliterated text of the

How to Perform the Traditional Friday Night Kiddush Video & Text

This step-by-step video demonstrates how to recite the Kiddush ceremony at the beginning of a traditional Friday night Shabbat meal in

Blessing the Challah: A 3-Step Guide

This short post outlines the basic order of blessing the challah, including the text of the blessing in Hebrew, English

6 Challah Recipes & The Mitzvah of Separating Challah

The following article from Aish.com provides six different challah recipes, including eggless, whole wheat, and the “always successful” recipe, reprinted

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Traditions.

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Traditional Rosh Hashanah Evening & Daytime Kiddush

This post offers links to the traditional evening and daytime Kiddush ceremonies performed on Rosh Hashanah. The page for the

Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy

This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each

Reform Blessings Before & After the Reading of the Haftarah

This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings recited before and after the reading of the

Learn the Reform Blessings Before & After Reading the Haftarah with “Prayer-eoke”

These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the reading of the haftarah in Reform congregations.

A “Tkhine” for Lighting Candles on Shavuot

This “tkhine” (supplication) is a para-liturgical prayer in Hebrew and Yiddish with an English translation that is meant to be recited

Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading with Feminine God-Language

This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of a the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading when

Traditional Blessings Before & After Torah Reading

This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading when called

The “Mi Sheberach” Prayer for One Who Has an Aliyah

This post provides the Hebrew and English texts for the prayer recited for one who is called up to the Torah

Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading & the Concept of Chosenness

This short video demonstrates how to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading according to the Reconstructionist tradition,

Learn the Blessings Before & After Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”

These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading, when called up for an

Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)

This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first

Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat

This 9 and a half minute long video features the Israeli male a Capella group, Kippalive, singing harmonic versions of many of

Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)

This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat service along with a 27

Orthodox Ashkenazi Havdalah Ceremony (Audio & Text)

These resources from Aish.com present the audio and Hebrew, English, and transliterated text of the Havdalah ceremony, according to Orthodox Ashkenazi

Reconstructionist Havdalah with Masculine & Feminine God Language

This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the Reconstructionist Havdalah ceremony, where each of the four blessings

“The Candle and Spices” – Traditional Yemenite Havdalah Song

This low quality 3 minute long video features Achinoam Nini singing a beautiful a capella version of the Yemenite song “The

Atkinu Seudata: A Kabbalistic Poem Recited Before Kiddush

This post presents an in-depth explanation and the Aramaic, English and transliterated texts of a Kabbalistic poem recited before the daytime Kiddush,

Let Us Bring Forth Food: Humanist Ha-Motzi

This blessing for breaking bread, inspired by HaMotzi, meaning “the one who brings forth,” was composed by Machar: The Washington Congregation

Traditional Ashkenazi Shalom Aleichem (Audio & Text)

This post includes the Hebrew, English, and transliterated lyrics to Shalom Aleichem, traditionally sung before Kiddush at the beginning of

Ribbon Kol Haolamim: A Prayer Based on Shalom Aleichem

This post includes the Hebrew and English translation for “Ribbon Kol Haolamim,” a prayer that is recited or sung after

Alternative HaMotzi: Humanistic & Theistic Version

In this alternative blessing over the bread, Lesley Reuter encourages readers to gratefully reflect on the source of their food,

Kabbalistic Poems Recited Before Kiddush: Atkinu Seudata & Azamer Bishvochin

This post includes both audio recordings and the Aramaic, English and transliterated texts of two poems that are often recited before

Kiddush & Building Community: Humanist Liturgy

This community-centered blessing over the wine was composed by Machar: The Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism. Typical of this movement, founded

The Blessing Over Wine: Masculine, Feminine and Non-Gendered God Language

This post includes the blessing recited over wine in Hebrew, English and transliterated, using masculine, feminine and non-gendered God-language. This

Secular/ Humanist HaMotzi Texts

The following excerpts from a Secular/Humanist Shabbat Service emphasize our connection to the land and themes of social justice, in

Printable Hand Washing & Hamotzi Guide

This simple one-page card from Aish.com provides the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings for the ritual washing

Motzi: A Chain of Work – Prayer Prior to HaMotzi

This poetic prayer, meant to be recited prior to the blessing over the challah, brings one’s intentions toward all of the

Words Of Prayer and Intention: A Sustainability Motzi

This poetic blessing over the bread brings one’s intentions toward all of the people, powers, and systems that allowed for the

The Shabbat Project: Sephardic Hand Washing & HaMotzi Guide

This two-page resource includes a detailed step-by-step guide explaining how to fulfill the ritual washing of the hands and the blessing

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

JOFA: A Tchina for Putting Challah in the Oven

The following prayer is meant to be recited by women prior to putting the challah into the oven. It asks

The Confusion of Sephardic, North African and Middle Eastern Customs

In her humorous, anecdotal style, Daniella Levy reveals the confusion that surrounds the specific customs of lighting Shabbat candles in

Personal Prayer and Meditation For Candle Lighting

This short article explains the tradition of reciting personal prayers during the time of candle lighting and also suggests meditating on

Traditional Prayer for the Family Following Candle Lighting

This prayer for the family is often recited after lighting the Shabbat candles, an auspicious time for prayer, according to

Sephardic Tradition: Friday Night Candle Lighting

In this Hebrew clip (at 1:00), Inbar Tabiv demonstrates how to light the Shabbat candles, first reciting the blessing and

How to Separate Challah: Sephardic & Ashkenazi Customs

This excerpt from “The Secret of Challah” by Shira Wiener & Ayelet Yifrach provides clear and concise directions for both Ashkenazim and

Modernizing Birkat HaMotzi: A Feminist Spiritual Approach

This excerpt from Marcia Falk’s “The Book of Blessings” discusses both the significance of Birkat HaMotzi (the blessing over the bread) as a

Post-Candle Lighting “Tkhine”: An 18th Century Prayer

This short “tkhine” (supplication) is a para-liturgical prayer that is meant to be recited by women just after lighting Shabbat candles,

Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing: Audio and Text

This audio recording demonstrates a man singing the blessing over the Shabbat candles clearly and slowly, using a popular North American melody,

Shabbat Candle Lighting with Masculine and Feminine God-Language

This post presents the blessing for lighting the Shabbat candles on Friday night, both in its traditional format (i.e. with

Humanist Liturgy for Lighting Shabbat Candles

This Shabbat candle lighting ceremony was composed by Machar: The Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism. Typical of this movement, founded

Reconstructionist Kiddush with Feminine God-Language: Text & Audio

This article presents the Reconstructionist adaptation of Kiddush into feminine God-language, including a recording by Rabbi Margot Stein, a Reconstructionist rabbi,

Shabbat Evening Kiddush Karaoke: Reform

This ‘karaoke style’ video with Hebrew subtitles, demonstrates how to sing the Shabbat evening blessings over the wine, according to

Egalitarian Kiddush and “Shalom Aleychem”

The following post provides information about egalitarian approaches to Kiddush, as well as a video of Cantor Elana Rozenfeld teaching

Reconstructionist Kiddush and the Concept of Chosenness

This article includes the Hebrew and English text of the Friday night Kiddush according to Reconstructionist tradition, as well as

Traditional Ashkenazi Friday Night Kiddush: Text & Audio

This resource includes the complete Hebrew, English, and transliterated text for the traditional Ashkenazi Orthodox Kiddush, including explanations of what motions

Traditional Sephardic and Mizrahi Friday Night Kiddush

This article includes the complete Hebrew, English, and transliterated text for the Sephardic/Mizrahi Orthodox Kiddush, as well as a video with onscreen

Secular/ Humanist Kiddush Texts

The following excerpts from a Secular/Humanist Shabbat Service emphasize both universalistic concepts and the importance of rejoicing in Jewish heritage. Although

A Reconstructionist Reflection Before Lighting Shabbat Candles

This short reflection, recited prior to light Shabbat candles, is written by Jewish-American poet, Marge Piercy, and appears in the

Shabbat Kiddush of Liberation: Letting the Land Rest

This ecological Kiddush was written for an instance when Shabbat coincided with Tu b’Shvat, the Jewish new year for the trees,

Yemenite Friday Night Kiddush

This video presents a recording of a traditional Friday night Kiddush according to the Yemenite tradition, recited by Tomer Hatuca, an

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Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim is a short paragraph added to the Amidah prayer and the Grace After Meals on Hannukah, thanking God

Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy

This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each

BBYO Sings Debbie Friedman’s Havdalah

This 3 and a half minute long video features song leaders of the BBYO youth group singing the Reform version of

The Nava Tehila Ensemble: Dancing in the Glory – A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat

This post features the first song from Nava Tehila Ensemble’s album, “Dancing in the Glory: A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat,”

Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)

This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first

Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat

This 9 and a half minute long video features the Israeli male a Capella group, Kippalive, singing harmonic versions of many of

Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)

This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat service along with a 27

Nava Tehila: A Serene Havdalah

This calming melody for the Havdalah ceremony was composed by The Nava Tehila Ensemble, a Jerusalem-based group who perform both

“The Candle and Spices” – Traditional Yemenite Havdalah Song

This low quality 3 minute long video features Achinoam Nini singing a beautiful a capella version of the Yemenite song “The

Rabbi Shefa Gold Chants the Ben Ish Chai’s Shortened Birkat Hamazon

This post presents Rabbi Shefa Gold’s meditative Aramaic and English chant based on the Ben Ish Chai’s one-line version of the Grace After

Kabbalistic Poems Recited Before Kiddush: Atkinu Seudata & Azamer Bishvochin

This post includes both audio recordings and the Aramaic, English and transliterated texts of two poems that are often recited before

“V’zakeini” Song: A Post Candle Lighting Prayer (Rabbi Baruch Levine)

In his heartfelt signature song, “V’zakeini,” Rabbi Baruch Levine puts an excerpt from the prayer commonly recited after lighting Shabbat candles

“V’zakeini” Song: A Post Candle Lighting Prayer (Avraham Fried)

In this heartfelt song, “V’zakeini,” Avraham Fried puts an excerpt from the prayer commonly recited after lighting Shabbat candles to

Piamenta’s Rock Song Inspired by the Grace After Meals

This video presents Yosi Piamenta’s original rock song inspired by the Grace After Meals. Although most of this 8 minute long song is

Fortuna Performs “Bendigamos” Sephardic Grace After Meals Hymn

This video clip presents Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, Fortuna, performing “Bendigamos Al Altísimo,” a Spanish hymn traditionally sung after meals by

Idan Yaniv & Kinderlach: Upbeat Shalom Aleichem for Unity in Israeli Society

This music video presents a joyous, upbeat version of Shalom Aleichem, performed by Idan Yaniv, a popular Israeli, Bukharian singer, and Kinderlach, an

“Tell Me Mother:” A Song About a Mother’s Prayer while Lighting the Shabbat Candles

This moving Hebrew song is about a young girl who asks her mother what she is thinking about while she

Reform: The “HaMotzi” Song

In this short video, Cantor Jan Lieberman plays guitar and sings a version of the blessing over the bread often used in Reform

HaMotzi Children’s Song (Hebrew)

This sweet song, by Israeli artist, Ariela Savir, includes the blessing over the bread as well as praise for God

‘I Love Challah Rolls’ Song

This humorous music video, produced by campers and staff from TheZone Jewish Sleepaway Camp, presents a humorous accounting of the mitzvah

Shabbat Sweet: A Unique Melody for Shabbat Candle Lighting

In this video, Billy Kaplan offers a unique rendition of the blessing over the Shabbat candles (starting at 1:05), including

Alexander Goldscheider’s Tune for the Blessing over the Shabbat Candles

In this video, Alexander Goldscheider, a Jewish Czech-born composer, performs a unique musical rendition of the blessing over the Shabbat candles.

Paul Ben-Haim’s Rendition of the Blessing Over the Shabbat Candles (Reform)

This audio clip (the second track on the album, “Sacred Services from Israel”), demonstrates an operatic version of the blessing over

Matisyahu’s Kiddush

In this video, world-famous Jewish musician, Matisyahu, sings a slow, emotive rendition of the Friday night Shabbat Kiddush according to Orthodox

A Jazzy Kiddush

This creative jazz rendition of the Ashkenazi version of the Kiddush blessing is from the “Hear O Israel: A Prayer

Acapella Kiddush: Soul Key Choir

In this video, The Soul Key Choir, an all male Israeli acapella group, performs a beautiful harmony of the biblical verses

Rabbi Klatzko’s Musical Kiddush

In this video, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko sings the Shabbat evening Kiddush according to the Orthodox Ashkenazi tradition and pronunciation to a slow,

Kiddush Blues by the Klezmer Company Orchestra

This live Hebrew performance by the Klezmer Company Orchestra demonstrates how to sing the Shabbat evening blessings over the wine,

Jazz/Blues Kiddush

This entertaining video demonstrates a unique style of singing the Shabbat evening blessings over the wine with a jazz-blues twist. Benson Simmonds,

Richard Tucker’s Cantorial Kiddush

In this video, the great American tenor and cantor Richard Tucker (1913-1975) performs the Shabbat evening blessings over the wine

Kurt Weill’s Musical Composition of Kiddush

This post includes an introduction to Kurt Weill’s musical composition of Kiddush, including an original audio and several videos of

Shabbat Candle Lighting: A Children’s Sing Along

This sweet video presents Kindergarten and Second Grade students from Temple Isaiah of Lafayette, California singing the blessing over the candles, as the transliterated