Shabbat Explained
The Sabbath lasts for 25 hours. Shabbat begins 18 minutes before sundown on Friday night with the lighting of the Shabbat candles (see the Chabad website to find out the proper candle-lighting time) and Kiddush and ends an hour after sunset on Saturday night with the Havdalah celebration. There are 39 kinds of work that are forbidden on Shabbat. There are synagogue services held on Friday night and Saturday morning (some synagogues have other afternoon and evening services on Saturdays as well). [2007-2008 Torah Reading Schedule]

There are special Shabbatot throughout the year. Some have additional Torah readings (Maftir) that are read after the regular Torah readings - replacing the regular Maftir readings.

The four parshiot:
These are special Torah readings added to the regular weekly parsha in preparation for Pesach.

Shabbat Shekalim is the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Adar (Adar II in a leap year). The reading recalls the census taken in the wilderness (Exodus 30:11-16).

Shabbat Zachor is the Shabbat before Purim. The reading recalls the treachery of Amalekites and the command to blot out their memory (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

Shabbat Parah is the Shabbat after Purim. The reading recalls the preparation for Pesach (Numbers 19:1-22).

Shabbat HaChodesh is the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Nisan or Rosh Chodesh Nisan if it falls on Shabbat. The reading recalls the establishment of the Jewish calendar (Exodus 12:1-20).

Other special Shabbatot:
Shabbat Bereishit is the first Shabbat after Simchat Torah when Parsha Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8) is read.

Shabbat Chazon is the Shabbat before Tish B'Av. The reading recalls Isaiah's vision of the destruction of the Temple (Isaiah 1:1-27).

Shabbat HaGadol is the Shabbat before Pesach. The reading recalls the promise of the return of Prophet Elijah and the ushering in of the end times (Malachi 3:4-24).

Shabbat Mevarchim is the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh when a special blessing (Birkat HaChodesh) is said before the beginning of the mussaf prayer.

Shabbat Nachamu is the Shabbat after Tish B'Av. The reading is one of the first of seven readings between Tish B'Av and Rosh Hashannah that are designed to comfort the Jews with the promise that the Temple will be rebuilt (Lamentations 1:2).

Shabbat Shirah is the Shabbat when Parsha Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16) which includes the Son at the Sea is read.

Shabbat Shuva is the Shabbat between Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur. The readings deal with repentence and G-d's mercy (Hosea 14:2-10, Micah 7:18-20).

The Sabbath candle-lighting is obligatory upon all adults (including teens who are bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah). It is traditional for the woman of the house to light the candles. By her lighting the candles and saying the brocha (blessing) all adults in the house are considered to have lit the candles. If the woman of the house is not present the man is to perform the mitzvot. If neither is at home the mitzvot falls upon a bar/bat mitzvah child (preferably a female). All single adults who live on their own (such as in a dorm) are required to light the Shabbat candles. After the candles have been lit the parents bless their children and the husband blesses his wife. The family performs the mitzvot of Kiddush with the proper brocha and has their festive Shabbat meal.

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Blessing Over the Candles
Baruch ata Adonai, Elohaynu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tizivanu, l'hadlik ner shel shabbat

Blessed are you, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Sabbath.

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Blessing Over the Children
For son:
May G-d make you like Ephraim and Menashe

For daughter:
May G-d make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah

For all children:
May Hashem bless you and safeguard you. May Hashem illuminate His countenance for you and be gracious to you. May Hashem turn His countenance to you and establish peace for you.

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Blessing Over the Wife
An accomplished woman who can find? Far beyond pearls is her value. Her husband's heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune. She repays his good, but never his harm, all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and linen, and her hands work willingly. She is like a merchant's ships, from afar she brings her sustenance. She arises while it is yet nighttime, and gives food to her household, and a ration to her maidens. She envisions a field and buys it, from the fruit of her handiwork she plants a vineyard. With strength she girds her loins, and invigorates her arms. She discerns that her enterprise is good – so her lamp is not snuffed out by night. Her hands she stretches out to the distaff, and her palms support the spindle. She spreads out her palm to the poor, and extends her hands to the destitute. She fears not snow for her household, for her entire household is clothed with scarlet wool. Luxurious [bed]spreads she made herself, linen and purple wool are her clothing. Distinctive in the councils is her husband, when he sits with the elders of the land. She makes a cloak to sell, and delivers a belt to the peddler. Strength and majesty are her raiment, she joyfully awaits the last day. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and a lesson of kindness is on her tongue. She anticipates the ways of her household, and partakes not of the bread of laziness. Her children arise and praise her, her husband, and lauds her, "Many daughters have amassed achievement, but you surpassed them all." False is grace and vain is beauty, a G-d-fearing woman – she should be praised. Give her the fruits of her hand and let her be praised in the gates by her very own deeds.

Kiddush involves a blessing recited over a cup of wine (kosher grape juice may be substituted if needed) immediately prior to the festive Sabbath meal or a major holiday. Kiddush acknowledges the sanctity of the day. It is generally the husband/father that lead kiddush but may be performed by other family members such as the wife/mother. After the brocha is recited, each person sips wine from the cup.

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Blessing for Kiddush
Blessing over the wine
And there was evening and there was morning the sixth day. Thus were finished the heavens and the earth, and all their array. On the seventh day G-d completed His work which He had done, and He abstained on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. G-d blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it He had abstained from all His work which G-d created to make. By your leave, my masters, rabbis and teachers: Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine. Amen

Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, took pleasure in us, and His holy Sabbath, with love and with favor He gave us as a heritage, a remembrance of Creation. For that day is the prologue to holy convocations, a memorial of the Exodus from Egypt. For us did You choose and us did You sanctify from among all the peoples. And Your holy Sabbath, with love and favor, You gave us as a heritage. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who sanctifies the Sabbath. Amen

Blessing over washing of hands
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us regarding washing the hands.

Blessing over the bread
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

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Blessing for Havdalah
The Havdalah ceremony represents the end of Shabbat. It is performed when the first three stars are seen in the sky (approximately 42 minutes after candle-lighting time). The ceremony uses wine, spices, and a special twisted candle. The wine represents the sweetness of Shabbat. The spices represent the feelings of peace and hope of Shabbat. The twisted candle represents light, the first element of G-d at the beginning of creation.

Behold! G-d is my salvation, I shall trust and not fear-for G-d, Hashem, is my might and my praise-and He was a salvation for me. You can draw water with joy, from the springs of salvation. Salvation is Hashem's, upon Your people is Your blessing, Selah. Hashem, Master of legions is with us, a stronghold for us is the G-d of Jacob, Selah. Hashem, Master of legions, praised is the man who trusts in You. Hashem save! May the King answer us on the day we call. For the Jews there was light, gladness, joy, and honor-so may it be for us. I will raise the cup of salvations, and I will invoke the Name of Hashem.

Blessing over the wine
Blessed are You , Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.

Blessing over the spices
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates species of fragrance.

Blessing over the havdalah candle
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the illuminations of the fire.

Havdalah
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who separates between holy and secular, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labor. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who separates between holy and secular. Amen

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Synagogue Service
Synagogue services for Shabbat begin on Friday nights after candle-lighting (approximately 18 minutes before sundown). In addition, some men go to the mikveh before services.

The Friday night service is brief which includes the following sections:
(s)=standing (m)=minyan required

Preliminary Service
Shalom Aleikhem - Kabbalistic poem about the connection between Shabbat and angels

Shabbat HaMalkah - Poem written by Chayim Nahcman Bialik (based upon Lecha Dodi)

Yedid Nefesh - Kabbalistic poem written by Rabbi Eliezer Azikri as a love song to G-d

Kabbalat Shabbat
Psalms - Psalms that mark the beginning of the Kabbalat Shabbat service - the first five Psalms speak about the enthronement of G-d as Soverign of the world upon the completiong of Creation

Psalm 29 (s) - Psalm that describes G-d's enthronement and His Presence moving through the world

Lecha Dodi (s - last paragraph) - Liturgical poem where Israel calls upon G-d to usher in the messianic age - based on an interpretation of the Song of Songs taught by Rabbi Akiva (based on Shabbat 119a, Mekhilta Bachodesh 7, Genesis Rabbah 10:9, Genesis 3:21, Exodus 20:8, Deuteronomy 5:12, Isaiah 52:2)

Psalm 92 - Psalm recited by the Levites in the Beit HaMikdash on Shabbat

Psalm 93 - Psalm recited by the Levites on Fridays in the Beit HaMikdash - connected to the completion of the work of creation on the sixth day

Mourner's Kaddish (m) - Prayer said by mourners and those observing a yahrtzeit in praise of G-d and the hope for G-d's sovereignty to be established on the earth

Bameh Madlikin - Readings from the Mishnah

Kaddish D'Rabbanan (m) - Rabbi's Kaddish said after study of Mishnah

Maariv
Barchu (s,m) - The blessings begin with the call for the congregation to bless G-d, the first blessing praises G-d for the majesty of Creation and the miracle of G-d's ongoing work of creation

Ahava Raba - The second blessing we praise G-d for the gift of Torah and commit ourselves to the study of Torah

Kri'at Sh'ma and Related Blessings - Prayer designated by the Sages as an act of acceptance of G-d's sovereignty and of the observance of the mitzvot

VeShamru (s) - Statement that Shabbat is a sign of the covenant between G-d and Israel

Hatzi-Kaddish (s,m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service

Shemoneh Esrei/Amidah (s) (m-Amidah repetition) - The "Standing Prayer" is the central prayer of the service that consists of three introductory blessings that are statements about the nature of G-d, a middle portion of thirteen blessings devoted to the theme of redemption, and three concluding blessings expressing thanksgiving

Vehoolo (m) - Seven-faceted blessing and thanksgiving prayer

Kaddish Shalem (m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service said after the Amidah asking also that our prayer -Amidah - be acceptable to G-d

Kiddush - Blessing over wine

Aleinu (s) - Statement - ascribed to Joshua - of the difference between Judaism and idolatry

Mourner's Kaddish (m) - Prayer said by mourners and those observing a yahrtzeit in praise of G-d and the hope for G-d's sovereignty to be established on the earth

Yigdal - 13 Principles as expressed by Maimonides in his Commentary on the Mishnah

Adon Olam - Prayer instituted by Abraham that acknowledges G-d as the Master of the universe but also involved in everyday activities

Bedtime Sh'ma Section
Sh'ma and Related Blessings - Blessing before sleep, prayer for peace and mercy, and praise of G-d

After the service Jews returns home for a festive meal. The children are blessed and the husband blesses the wife. Kiddush and the blessing (hamotzi) over the two loaves of challah are recited. After the meal the family says the birkat hamazon (grace after meals).

On Saturday morning Jews return to the shul for services which includes the reading of the weekly Parshas and Haftorah and the following sections:
(s)=standing (m)=minyan required


Birkot HaShachar
Birkhot HaShachar - Morning blessings said upon waking to acknowledge G-d's compassion in restoring us to life each day
Netilat Yadayim - The ritual washing of the hands as a sanctification before G-d (as done by the Kohanim before entering the Sanctuary)

Donning the Tzitzit - Blessing before donning the tzitzit (if one wears a Tallit, this bracha is not stated)

Entering the Sanctuary - Blessing upon entering the Sanctuary

Donning the Tallit - Blessing before donning the tallit

Adon Olam - Prayer instituted by Abraham that acknowledges G-d as the Master of the universe but also involved in everyday activities

Talmud Torah - Blessings for the study of Torah - the first expresses gratitude for the privilege of being commanded to study Torah, the second expresses thankfulness for G-d choosing Israel and giving Israel Torah; Readings from Torah and the Talmud

Morning Benedictions (s) - Blessings acknowledging that G-d gave us the ability to make distinctions and deal with new situations and asking for G-d's compassion

Y'hi Ratson (s) - Prayer said by Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi asking for G-d's compassion and assistance throughout the day

Akeidah (s) - Meditations and confessional prayers

Morning Supplications/Shema (s) - Declaration of G-d's Oneness as well as prayers asserting the truth and meaning of this declaration

Mishnah Study (s) - Daily readings from the Mishnah

Kaddish D'Rabbanan (m)- Aramaic prayer sanctifying G-d's Name as well as a prayer for the well-being of the rabbis, their disciples, and those who study Torah - the honor of this prayer is given to mourners

Daily Psalms - Recitation of the Psalm 92 - praising G-d to rested on Shabbat and calls on all creation fo praise the Creator

Pesukei DeZimra
Psalm 30 - Psalm of thanksgiving

Mourner's Kaddish (m) - Prayer said by mourners and those observing a yahrtzeit in praise of G-d and the hope for G-d's sovereignty to be established on the earth

Baruch Sheh-Amar (s) - Psalms and songs introducing the Pesukei DeZimra praising the eternal, compassionate Creator and G-d's sovereignty

Psalms/Songs of Praise - Recitation of various Psalms, I Chronicles, Nehemiah, and the Song at the Sea (Exodus)

Shir Shel Yam (s) - Blessing that affirms that G-d will always be praised

Hatzi-Kaddish (s,m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service

Nishmat - Poetic prayer of praise

Yishtabach (s) - Blessing that affirms that G-d will always be praised

Hatzi-Kaddish (s,m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service

Sh'ma and Blessings
Barchu (s,m) - The blessings begin with the call for the congregation to bless G-d, the first blessing praises G-d for the majesty of Creation and the miracle of G-d's ongoing work of creation

Ahava Raba - The second blessing we praise G-d for the gift of Torah and commit ourselves to the study of Torah

Kri'at Sh'ma and Related Blessings - Prayer designated by the Sages as an act of acceptance of G-d's sovereignty and of the observance of the mitzvot

Tzur Yisrael - Last blessing of the Sh'ma - leading to the Amidah - recognizing that G-d redeemed Israel

Amidah Section 
Shemoneh Esrei/Amidah (s) (m-Amidah repetition) - The "Standing Prayer" is the central prayer of the service that consists of three introductory blessings that are statements about the nature of G-d, a middle portion of thirteen blessings devoted to the theme of redemption, and three concluding blessings expressing thanksgiving

Kedushah (s) - Elaboration of the third Amidah blessing when the congregation and leader proclaim G-d's holiness responsively

Kaddish Shalem (m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service said after the Amidah asking also that our prayer -Amidah - be acceptable to G-d

Torah Reading
Removing the Torah (s,m) - Blessings over the removal of the Torah from the Torah Ark

Aliyot (m) - Blessings over the reading of the Torah

Birkat HaGomel - Blessing for surviving illness or danger recited by someone who has recovered from a serious illness, returned safely from a long journey, or who has survived danger - including childbirth

Mi Sheberach - Blessing over the one who has finished his/her aliyah (may also include aufruf, bar/bat mitzvah, for the ill, mother who just gave birth, and parents of newborns)

Hatzi-Kaddish (s,m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service

Hagbah/Gelilah (s,m) - Raising of the Torah with a statement declaring the Torah was brought to Israel by G-d through Moses - then dressing the Torah

Haftorah (m) - Blessings and reading of the Haftarah

Additional Blessings - Blessings for congregation, those serving the community, the country, State of Israel, prayer for peace, and personal meditation

Announcing the New Moon - Proclamation made on the Shabbat prior to Rosh Chodesh regarding the new moon (new month)

Ashrei - Prayer of thanksgiving

Returning Torah (s,m) - Statement that G-d's Glory encompasses heaven and earth and the revelation at Har Sinai, chanting of Psalm 29

Musaf Service
Hatzi-Kaddish (s,m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service

Shemoneh Esrei/Amidah (s) (m-Amidah repetition) - The "Standing Prayer" is the central prayer of the service that consists of three introductory blessings that are statements about the nature of G-d, a middle portion of thirteen blessings devoted to the theme of redemption, and three concluding blessings expressing thanksgiving

Kedushah (s) - Elaboration of the third Amidah blessing when the congregation and leader proclaim G-d's holiness responsively

Kaddish Shalem (m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service said after the Amidah asking also that our prayer -Amidah - be acceptable to G-d

Ein Keiloheinu - Prayer extolling G-d's sovereignty

Aleinu (s) - Statement - ascribed to Joshua - of the difference between Judaism and idolatry

Mourner's Kaddish (m) - Prayer said by mourners and those observing a yahrtzeit in praise of G-d and the hope for G-d's sovereignty to be established on the earth

An'im Z'mirot - Poem extolling G-d's Glory

Adon Olam - Prayer instituted by Abraham that acknowledges G-d as the Master of the universe but also involved in everyday activities

Minchah Service
Ashrei - Prayer of thanksgiving

Kedushah D'Sidra - Prayer that has four sections: Verses of comfort from Isaiah; Verses of Holiness; Verses announcing G-d's forgiving nature; and A blessing concerning the truth of Torah

Hatzi-Kaddish (s,m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service

Removing the Torah (s,m) - Blessings over the removal of the Torah from the Torah Ark

Aliyot (m) - Blessings over the reading of the Torah

Hagbah/Gelilah (s,m) - Raising of the Torah with a statement declaring the Torah was brought to Israel by G-d through Moses - then dressing the Torah

Returning Torah (s,m) - Statement that G-d's Glory encompasses heaven and earth and the revelation at Har Sinai, chanting of Psalm 24

Hatzi-Kaddish (s,m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service

Shemoneh Esrei/Amidah (s) (m-Amidah repetition) - The "Standing Prayer" is the central prayer of the service that consists of three introductory blessings that are statements about the nature of G-d, a middle portion of thirteen blessings devoted to the theme of redemption, and three concluding blessings expressing thanksgiving

Kedushah (s) - Elaboration of the third Amidah blessing when the congregation and leader proclaim G-d's holiness responsively

Kaddish Shalem (m) - Aramaic prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven recited at the conclusion of major parts of a public service said after the Amidah asking also that our prayer -Amidah - be acceptable to G-d

Aleinu (s) - Statement - ascribed to Joshua - of the difference between Judaism and idolatry

Mourner's Kaddish (m) - Prayer said by mourners and those observing a yahrtzeit in praise of G-d and the hope for G-d's sovereignty to be established on the earth

After the service the family returns home for a festive meal (generally cholent). Kiddush is recited and after the mean, birkat hamazon is recited. The afternoon is spent in leisurely activities and/or Torah and Talmud study.

Before the end of Shabbat it is traditional to have a light, third meal. Shabbat ends when three stars are seen in the sky (approximately 42 minutes after sundown). At this point the Havdalah ceremony is performed.

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Forbidden Work on Shabbat
(Mishnah Shabbat, 7:2)

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