Messianic Melting Pot: Excerpt from Congregation Shema Yisrael

Monday, March 3, 2008

Excerpt from Congregation Shema Yisrael

How to Celebrate Erev Shabbat in Your Home

Erev Shabbat is the beginning of the most holy day of the week. Traditionally, it begins on Friday at sundown and it is celebrated in both the synagogue and afterwards, in the home. This set of blessings illustrates how you can welcome the Shabbat into your families and homes.

All of these blessings can be found in the Complete Artscroll Siddur (Sefard). Page numbers are indicated with each blessing listed on this page.
Lighting of the Candles

Artscroll Siddur (Sefard) page 327

Although there is no commandment in the Bible stating that candles must be ignited to open the Shabbat, this is a beautiful reminder that we are to be a light to the world and that the Torah is "a light unto our feet and a lamp unto our path". The blessing is usually said by a woman (typically but not always the eldest female in the household).

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Asher Kidshanu Bemitzvotav, Vitzivanu Lehadlik Ner Shell Shabbat

Blessed are You O' L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of Shabbat.

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