How to Celebrate Shabbat
Every week, from sundown Friday to nightfall Saturday
Shabbat is the weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday night. It recalls both the seventh day of creation, when tradition says God rested, and the freedom from slavery marked at the Exodus.
More than a pause from work, Shabbat is a deliberate turn toward family, community, rest, and the sacred. For many it is the anchor of the week, a set time to step away from the ordinary and be fully present.
How It Is Celebrated
Lighting the candles
Two candles are kindled before sunset on Friday, welcoming Shabbat and marking the shift from the workweek to rest.
Kiddush over wine
A blessing is recited over a cup of wine or grape juice, sanctifying the day at the start of the evening meal.
Blessing the challah
Two braided loaves are covered, blessed, and shared, recalling the double portion of manna in the wilderness.
Rest and Havdalah
The day is spent resting from work, sharing meals, and gathering, and it closes Saturday night with the Havdalah ceremony over wine, spices, and a braided candle.
Traditional Foods
Challah
Two braided loaves for the Friday night table, blessed before the meal. See the recipe.
Chicken soup
A comforting Friday night starter, often with matzo balls or noodles. See the recipe.
Noodle kugel
A baked noodle pudding served warm as a Shabbat side or dessert. See the recipe.
Greetings
Shabbat Shalom
A peaceful Sabbath, the standard Hebrew greeting.
Gut Shabbos
Good Sabbath, the warm Yiddish greeting.
Have a restful Shabbat
A simple English wish for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Shabbat begin and end?
Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday evening and ends at nightfall on Saturday, when three stars are visible. It closes with a short ceremony called Havdalah.
Why are two challah loaves used on Shabbat?
Two loaves recall the double portion of manna that fell in the wilderness on the day before Shabbat, so the Israelites would not have to gather food on the day of rest.
What is Havdalah?
Havdalah is the brief ceremony that ends Shabbat on Saturday night, using a cup of wine, fragrant spices, and a braided candle to mark the separation between the sacred day and the ordinary week.
Keep Exploring
Read the full history and traditions in our Shabbat holiday guide, browse traditional Jewish recipes, look up terms in the glossary, or see the dates on the Hebrew calendar.