There are so many ways to create personalized, meaningful, and joyful Shabbat experiences for your whole family!

Shabbat Dinner: If you are new to Shabbat dinner, take manageable steps that bring meaning and joy to your family.  You can start by adding lighting candles and/or having challah to your Friday night routine.  Make plans with another family to have Shabbat dinner at home or at a BAS Shabbat Kulanu dinner. 


Family discussion of the weekly Torah portion is a great springboard for values-based conversations. Consult a Jewish calendar or hebcal.com.  For summaries and commentaries about the portion, click here or here for a guide and topics for family discussions.  Book resources: A Torah Commentary for Our Times by Harvey Fields, Text Messages by Jeffrey Salkin, Values and Ethics-Through a Jewish Lens by Fred and Joyce Claar. Members may borrow these books – email Lisa.
 

Shabbat services are an opportunity to slow down and focus on time with family, friends, and community. Shabbat services provide time to reflect on what we are grateful for and value in life. Children experience and practice Hebrew and tefillot/prayers, which makes their learning relevant.  Reach out to friends to attend services together.  
 

Click here for Shabbat prayers you can listen to at home, in the car, with your children…
 

Carve a block of time on Shabbat for your family to do an activity you enjoy doing: playing games, reading, taking a walk or bike ride, getting together with friends,…  Make sure each parent’s need to relax is met as well, so that you all look forward to Shabbat.
 

Havdalah is a fun, short, sensory experience for all ages to say goodbye to Shabbat together.  Click here for a guide.  Add your own spin to it–what would be a sweet way for your family to end Shabbat?

Looking for guidance on adding Shabbat traditions to your family’s routine?  Contact Director of Family Education & Engagement Lisa Jacobs.