Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

As Jewish communities around the world unite this Shabbat for the Shabbat Project, here are a few Shabbat terms and suggestions that may help make your Shabbat experience special.

עֹנֶג שַּׁבָּת Oneg Shabbat = Shabbat Joy

This refers to the joy and delight that Shabbat can offer for both our bodies and our souls. 

For some this means enjoying a beautiful Shabbat meal, being with family and friends, or making time to engage in activities one finds enjoyable (such as reading, playing a game, a family walk or activity). 

Why not try An Oneg Shabbat Lucky Dip?

Invite family members to write suggested family activities in the spirit of Oneg Shabbat. Draw out a card/s for a family activity.  

שַּׁבָּת מְנוּחָה Shabbat Menucha = Shabbat Rest

This is the concept of Shabbat as a day of rest and rejuvenation. 

שַּׁבָּת Shabbat is known as the ‘day of rest’, however the word שַּׁבָת means ‘cease’, in the sense that on the 7th day of creation – יוֹם שַּׁבָּת, God ceased or stopped the work of creating. 

Why not mindfully engage in an activity of rest and rejuvenation on Shabbat?

This could be a Shabbat sleep in or afternoon shluf, time in synagogue engaging in prayer and reflection, time in nature, a swim at the beach, time reading or studying.

זָכוֹר אֶת־יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ = Observe Shabbat and Make It Holy 

This mitzvah of remembering Shabbat is found in Exodus 20:7, in the first account of the Aseret HaDibrot (the 10 Utterances). Our tradition understands this to refer to actions that we do to make Shabbat a special, holy or different moment in time. 

Why not mindfully engage in actions to make this Shabbat special and different? 

This could be lighting the JCA Shabbat Project Candles, reciting Shabbat blessings and singing songs at your Shabbat table, engaging in prayer or Jewish learning and discussions.  

שָׁמוֹר אֶת־יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ = Remember Shabbat and Make It Holy 

This mitzvah of remembering Shabbat is found in Deuteronomy 5:11, in the second account of the Aseret HaDibrot (the 10 Utterances). Our tradition understands this to refer to actions that we refrain from to make Shabbat a special, holy or different moment in time – traditionally this relates to the 39 categories of creative work or melachot.

Why not mindfully refrain from certain actions to make this Shabbat special and different? 

This could include not driving, not using screens and technology, not shopping or spending money. 

Wishing you and your family and meaningful and joyous Shabbat filled with rest, rejuvenation, joy and moments of celebration and connection.