How to Decorate for Shabbat

The Ten Commandments only mention one holiday, which is a day of rest. For the Jewish religion, this day of rest is known as the Shabbat, which holds a special place in the religion. The Shabbat is a celebration of family life and should be treated as such while observing the day of rest. Decorate for the Shabbat to promote family and celebration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Challah Covers
• Challah Bread Board and Knife
• Flowers
• Prayer Books
• Shabbat Table Linens
• Tzedakah
• Kiddush Cups
• Hand Washing Bowl/Cup and Towel
• Shabbat Candles and Candle Holders
• Assorted Crafted Decorations

1. Create or buy challah covers. Challah loaves are covered while on the table. You can use decorative linen or fabric or create you own.
2. Use Challah bread boards and knives.
3. Place Kiddush cups on the table. You can buy or create your own Kiddush cups for the Shabbat ceremony.
4. Buy or create Shabbat candle holders, which promote the idea that the Shabbat is a special celebration.
5. Craft Shabbat candles or purchase them. The Shabbat candles are part of the tradition of the Shabbat. Since lighting the candles are important to the tradition of the Shabbat, keep them with the candle holders.
6. Place flowers around your home or on your table. Flowers always add decoration for any occasion.
7. Put a tzedakah box in your home. This is a charity box for the family. Have your family each place a coin in the box. Once the box is full, your family can use the money for an item for the family.
8. Adorn the table with table linens. Shabbat-decorated or Judaism-themed table cloths, place mats and table runners are used during the Shabbat. These can be created or purchased.
9. Craft items to decorate your home. There are many fun and educational projects for children that involve creating decorations for the Shabbat.
10. Buy or create your own bowl for the Shabbat hand washing ceremony. Store this with the towel you use to dry hands during the ceremony.
11. Have prayer books in the home that have the blessings and songs used during the Shabbat.
12. Place games in rooms. There are games designed for the Shabbat. These games promote family discussion. They celebrate the family and are a great way to spend time together.