Shabbat is a time for us to relax our spirits and get in touch with G-d. Let your soul rest while here and enter into a spirit of meditation. I like to greet Shabbat by reading Hebrews 4, and recognizing that Shabbat is a foretaste of heaven. One day we will all enter Her Eternal rest! Yay!

Erev Shabbat
(Pronounce 'kh' as a phlegm H as I call it. It's like the ch in Bach.) Usually the blessing is said before the mitzvah, but in this case, say it afterward. Most put on their tallit (prayer shawl) and have it covering their heads. Light the candles (two of them--a woman usually lights them but it is not necessary) and close your eyes. Let your hands circle over the light 3 times to symbolically spread the light outward--think about how we can be a light to the rest of the world by worshipping the One True G-d, YHWH in celebrating Shabbat. Say or chant the blessing, and enjoy the rest of Shabbat!

Light the Candles. Ba-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-nai e-loh-hay-noo me-lekh hah-oh-lam, ah-shayr ki-di-shah-noo b'mitz-voh-tov, v'tzi-va-noo l'hi-yoht ohr l'goy-im, v'nah-tahn lah-noo ye-shoo-ah me-shee-khay-noo, hah-ohr la-oh-lahm.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe, who sanctified us by your commandments, and commanded us to be a light for the nations and gave us Yeshua our Messiah, the light of the world.

Sing V'shamru. V'shamroo v'nay yeesra'el et hashabbat, la'asot et hashabbat l'dorotam b'reet olam. Benee oovayn b'nay yeesra'el ot hee l'olam, kee sheshet yameen asah adonai et hashamayeem v'et ha'arets oovayom hashvee-ee shavat vayeenafash.
The sons (children) of Israel shall keep the Shabbat, observing Shabbat throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant. It is a sign between me and the sons of Israel forever, that in six days the L-rd made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he ceased from work and rested.

Raise the wine goblet (fill to overflowing to signify the blessings G-d gives to us, they fill our cup and then some!) Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-nai e-loh-hay-noo me-lekh ha-oh-lahm, boh-ray pree hah-gah-fen, ah-mayn.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe who creats the fruit of the vine, amen.
L'chaim! (To life!) Drink the wine or grape juice.

Sing Sh'ma. Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheyu, Adonai, echad. Baruch, shem k'vod, malchooto, lay-ohlam, va'ed.

Perform Tzedakah (charity). Happy are those who consider the poor. Leader: Eternal God, we hereby vow to fulfill the Mitzvah of Tzedakah as we begin this day of holiness. We shall not forget the words of your prophet, who called us to share our bread with the hungry, to clothe the naked, and never to hide ourselves from our own kin. All: May we, together with the whole House of Israel, be mindful of the needs of others, sharing with them the fruits of our labor, helping to sustain them in body and soul. For all, may your prominse be fulfilled: "Then shall your light blaze forth like the dawn, and your wounds shall quickly heal; your righteousness shall walk before you, the glory of the the L-rd shall follow you."

Half Kaddish. Have the leader say this: Let his name be glorified and sanctified throughout the universe which he created according to his purpose. May he bring about the reign of his kingdom in your lifetime, in your days, and in the lifetime of all the house of Israel, speedily, soon! And let all say, "amen".
All:Let his great name be praised forever and ever, eternally!
Leader: Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, magnified and lauded, be the name of the Holy One, blessed be he, although he is far greater than all blessings, hymns, praises, and songs which are offered in the world; and all say, "Amen".

Breaking bread. Take the challah or matzah and say: Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-nai e-loh-hay-noo me-lekh hah-oh-lahm hah-moh-tzee lekh-em meen hah-ah-retz, ah-mayn.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth, amen.

Barukh haErev. Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-nai e-loh-hay-noo me-lekh hah-oh-lahm yoh-tzayr ohr oov-oh-ray khoh-shekh oh-say shah-lohm oov-oh-ray et hah-kohl.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe who form light and creates darkness, who makes peace and creates all things.
Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-nai e-loh-hay-noo me-lekh hah-oh-lahm boh-ray mee-nay mah-zoh-noht, ah-mayn.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe creator of various kinds of foods, amen. The meal is shared.

Spousal Blessing. (Usually there is a blessing for the wife, however the individual's home might not fit this tradition. You can modify this blessing to fit whatever situation is in your home.)
A good wife who can find? A woman of valor--seek her out, she is more precious than corals. Her husband places his trust in her and only profits thereby. She brings him good not harm all the days of her life. She opens her hands to those in need and offers her help to the poor. Adorned with strenght and dignity, she looks to the future with cheerful trust. Her speech is wise, and the law of kindness is on her lips. Her children rise up to call her blessed, her husband likewise praises her: 'Many women have done well, but you surpass them all.' Grace is elusive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the L-rd shall be praised. Give her credit for the fruit of her labors and let her achievements praise her at the gate. (Usually there is a blessing for the husband, but this again might not fit your home situation. Feel free to modify it.) Blessed is the man who reveres the L-rd, who greatly delights in G-d's commandments! His descendants will be honored in the land: the generation of the upright will be blessed. His household prospers, and his righteousness endure forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; for the one who is gracious, compassionate, and just. He is not afraid of evil tiding; his mind is firm, trusting in the L-rd. His heart is steady, he will not be afraid. He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his life is exalted in honor.

Blessing for Children. (Again, allow this to reflect your own situation in whichever way you like). May G-d bless you and guide you. Be strong for the truth, charitable in your words, just and loving in your deeds. A noble heritage has been entrusted to you; guard it well. For sons. Y'sim-khah e-loh-heem k'ef-rah-im v'kheem-nah-sheh. G-d make you as Ephraim and Mannaseh. For daughters. Y'sim-aykh e-loh-heem k'sah-rah v'riv-kah v'rah-khayl v'lay-ah. G-d make you as Sarah, Rebekkah, Rachel, and Leah.

Aaronic Blessing. Y'varekh'kha adonai v'yeeshm'rekha, ya'ayr adonai panav aylekha veekhoonekha, yeesa adonai panav aylekha v'yasaym l'kha shalom. The L-rd bless you and keep you, the L-rd make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, the L-rd lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Hope your belly is full!

Let Go!

One thing that is very difficult is letting go of your worries and responsibilities on Shabbat. G-d commands us not to work, but also...Fugget abaht it!

Rosh Chodesh Shevat

Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh with start on Sat. Jan 24, 2004 and last for two days in the diaspora. Ahhh, Rosh Chodesh, the woman's holiday...well, sort of. Legend has it that when the Israelites wanted to build the Golden Calf, the women refused to submit their jewellery to their husbands. G-d rewarded them for their faithfulness by giving them Rosh Chodesh off every month while the men had to work (unless it fell on Shabbat). Of course, it does make sense that a celebration of the moon is especially for women. I mean, our monthly cycles remind us of that fact, and also there is something 'feminine' about the moon. Perhaps it's because it makes it's presence just enough to be seen, not being too intrusive like the sun which seems to barge in on our rest. Or maybe it's because the moon lights up the dark like every woman I know:) At any rate, I'd rather be compared to the moon than the sun anyday, and that's cause for celebration! It's no wonder that Jewish Women's Rosh Chodesh groups have been popping up everywhere lately, there is sort of nice mystery to the whole event that I find refreshing.

Upon seeing the New Moon (sliver of crescent, pointing left) say Psalm 148. Praise the L-rd! Praise G-d in the high heavens, give praise in deep space! Give praise, O sun and moon! Give praise, you shining stars! Let the earth resound with G-d's praise. Teeming oceans, fire and hail, snow and mist, storm and wind, obeying G-d's will; Mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars; Wildbeasts and cattle, reptiles and birds; Kings of all nations, princes and rulers; Women and men, yound and old: Let all give praise to the L-rd, Whose name alone is exalted. Whose glory covers earth and sky. For the divine command caused them to be; G-d sustains them by law for ever. Hallelujah, Praise the L-rd!

Bircat. Baruch atah Adonai, Elohenu Melekh, ha'olam, asher b'maamaro bara shekhakim oov'ruach peen kal tzva'am. Blessed is the L-rd our G-d, Ruler of the universe, at whose word the heavens were made, at whose command the galaxies were born. Their cycles are fixed by G-d's law, their orbits can never be altered. They delight to do their Maker's will, that faithful Creator whose deeds endure. To the moon You say: Renew yourself; to us You are a crown of glory, sustaining us from the day of birth. Like the moon, may we be renewed in time to come, to honor You, our Maker, and Your glorious kingdom. Baruch atah Adonai, m'chadaysh chadashim. Blessed is the L-rd, who renews the months.

On the Shabbat before the new moon say the musaf (addition) to the regular service. Abriged Amidah with y'aleh v'yavo. Grant us, L-rd our G-d, the knowledge of your ways; direct our hearts to your worship; forgive us so that we may be redeemed; keep us from suffering, satisfy us with the produce of the earth; and those who stray from your knowledge judge, and upon the wicked make your hand heavy; and my the righteous rejoice at the building of your house, the construction of your Temple, the flourishing of the throne of David your servant, and the lengthening of the the light of your Messiah, the son of Jesse. Before we call, answer us. Blessed are you, O L-rd, who hears prayer. Our G-d and G-d of our fathers, may the remembrance of us, of our fathers, of Messiah the son of David your servant, of Jerusalem your holy city, and of all the people of the house of Israel, ascend, come and be accepted before you for salvation, for good, for grace, for kindness, for mercy, for life and for peace on the day of rosh chodesh. If you have a prayer book, say Kaddish, Hallel, and Aleinu.

Hannah's Prayer. This month I'd like to focus on Hannah and her great faith. I Sam. 2:1-10 records her prayer. "And Hannah prayed and said, My heart is magnified in the L-rd, my horn is exalted in my G-d; my mouth utters words against my enemies, because thou hast caused me to rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy like the L-rd; for there is none besides thee; and there is none powerful like our G-d. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouths; for the L-rd is a G-d of knowledge, and no devices can stand before him. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that are weak are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired out themselves for bread; and those who were hungry have food left over; the barren has given birth and is satisfied; and she who has many children is lonely. It is the L-rd who makes men to die and makes alive; he brings down to Sheol and brings up. The L-rd makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he also exalts. He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the dung-hill, to set them with the princes and to make them inherit the throne of glory; for the depths of the earth are protected by the L-rd, and he has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for not by his own stregth shall a mighty man prevail. The L-rd shall defeat his adversaries: out of heaven shall he thunder against them; the L-rd shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed."

Havdalah
Tradition has it that Havdalah service was originally brought about by the Messianic Jews in the early Church (in the Brit Hadashah, often times it has Rav. Paul preaching to the assembly on Saturday night, or Sunday to the Jew) later it was adopted by Rabbinic Jews.

I usually celebrate this after the evening meal, and do this service as part of the after-meal blessings (barekhot) Behold, G-d is my salvation, I trust and am not afraid; For Adonai Elokhenu is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall you draw living water from the well of salvation. You, O L-rd, are salvation; your blessing be upon your people. L-rd of hosts, be with us. G-d of Yacov, be our high refuge. L-rd of hosts, happy be the man who trusts in you. L-rd, save us. May the King answer us on the day when we call. Israel has your light and gladness, and joy and honor, so let it be with us. I will lift up the cup of salvation and proclaim the name of my G-d.

Kiddush. Barukh atah Adonai, Elokhenu Melekh ha-olam, boray pree hagafen, amen. Drink the wine.

Light a braided candle (or hold 3 candles and have their wicks touching). This three-braided candle is a symbol of the blessed tri-unity of G-d, three lights burning as one. Barukh atah Adonai, Elokhenu Melekh ha-olam, boray m'oray ha-aysh. Blessed are you, O L-rd our G-d, king of the universe, creator of the lights of fire. Bend your fingers toward your palm (left hand) while holding the candle in your right. Look at the light shining on your nails, and the shadow cast on your palm and be reminded of the difference between light and darkness, good and bad, holy days and the six days of labor. You can also check to make sure they are clean, after all, you shouldn't have been working on Shabbat:)

Breathe the sweet spices. I love to light incense for a nice spinoff of this, or I light incense and get out the spice box too, for a double portion. Barukh atah Adonai, Elokhenu Melekh ha-olam, boray menay v'sameem. Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe, creator of various spices. Pass the spice box around and let everyone have a whiff.

Besides the sweetness of Shabbat these spices remind us of the sweetness of G-d's love and His preservation of Am Yisrael amoungst all peoples. Shabbat, most precious of days. Shabbat, the day of holiness. It is blessed rest from daily toil. More than rest, Shabbat is freedom. A foretaste of heaven which they called Shabbat. But our rest is here on earth, this day's earth, and end it does. With all reluctance we say farewell to this foretaste of heaven. Let us carry into the coming week some Shabbat hope and joy, and bring them into our souls, our daily labors, and our leisures. And let the memory of Shabbat past and the anticipation of Shabbat to come lighten our burdens and make us more considerate and generous--determined to make our earthbound world more heavenly.

Final blessing. Blessed are you, L-rd G-d, king of the universe, who makes a distinction between the Holy and the profane, light and darkness, Israel and the nations, the seventh day and the six days of labor. You separate sacred from profane: separate us now from our sins! Let thse who love you be as many as the sands, and as the stars of heaven. Your righteousness is a majestic mountain: forgive our sins. Let them be as yesterday when it is past, as a watch in the night. Bless Yeshua, I am forgiven because of what He has done. Blessed are you, O L-rd, who makes a distinction between the Holy and the profane. Behold, G-d is my salvation. I will trust and will not be afraid, for the L-rd has become my strength and my song. He also has become my salvation.