The Shabbat, or Sabbath, is held every weekend from Friday evening to nightfall on Saturday. It honors the seventh day of creation when the Lord rested among His creation. It is a time for being among family and honoring the Lord.
One of the main occurrences during Shabbat is the Shabbat dinner on Friday night. The women of the house will light two candles before dinner representing shamor, or observance, and zachor, or remembrance. They will then cover their eyes and recite the Kiddush blessing over the wine. This sanctifies the dinner. A similar blessing is made over the challah bread to begin the meal, and parents may bless their children. Food is prepared beforehand, as Shabbat is a day without work. Families often sing songs, play games, dress cleanly, and cover the table with a white tablecloth representing purity. They will also attend synagogue services on Saturday and enjoy leisure activities.
Do not schedule important events or activities on Friday nights or Saturdays. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate.
