What to expect:

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So you're thinking of joining us for Shabbat!  What exactly are you in for?

 

Shabbat (in Hebrew, Shabbos in Yiddish, Sabbath in English) is a day of rest that lasts from sundown on Friday through nightfall on Saturday (because in Judaism, days start at sundown, not sunrise).  If you're like most Tufts students, slowing down your train of thought and taking a real break from work isn't the easiest thing to do, so Shabbat gives you an excuse to force yourself to relax.

 

In addition to all the things observant Jews will famously not do on Shabbat (like drive or work), there are a host of things we do do in order to “make the Shabbat a delight” (in the words of Isaiah 58:13).  A big part of the “delight” of Shabbat is the Friday night meal, initiated with the sipping of ceremonial kiddush wine and the breaking of traditional challah bread, and lingered over with songs, inspiring thoughts and camaraderie.  

 

If you are joining as a guest, the first thing for you to know is that guests are considered an integral part of any Shabbat meal. Not only are we happy to have you - the meal just wouldn't feel right without you!

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WHAT TO WEAR

Some dress up, some don't. We're really looking more at your smiling faces than your clothes, but many come in business casual if comfortable.

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4-6pm  LIGHT CANDLES

Women often come early to join Chanie and her daughters for a special Shabbat candle lighting. Then the time spent between candle lighting and eating likely will be filled with a combination of chatting, final meal preparations, or just simply relaxing on the couch and entertaining a brigade of eager Backman children.  (Remember, Shabbat starts on Friday at sundown, so the exact time for candle lighting will change. But don't worry; you can find it here!)

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6pm  PRAY IF YOU'D LIKE

At 6pm, there is an upbeat Kabbalat Shabbat prayer service, full of melodies that will draw your heart and soul into prayer and leave you energized and uplifted.  But no shame in skipping this part and coming for dinner at 6:45pm - we still can't wait to see you.

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6:45pm  EAT AND ENJOY

At 6:45pm(ish) we'll head upstairs to eat.  First, two joyful songs as people trickle in, "Shalom Aleichem" (the Shabbat anthem) and "Eishet Chayil" (a tribute to the feminine energy within our world and within Shabbat). 

 

As we gather around the elegantly set table featuring those candles from earlier, Rabbi Tzvi recites the brief kiddush prayer and drinks a glass of wine. Then to the kitchen for a ritual handwashing (it's even simpler than the way you usually wash your hands - if you're unfamiliar, just watch someone).  Return to your seat, Rabbi Tzvi says the even briefer motzi prayer over the challah.  And Shabbat dinner has officially begun.

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Shabbat dinners here are five courses, including gefilte fish, a myriad of fresh salads, and a steaming bowl of matzoball soup, followed by vegetables, chicken, maybe rice, noodles, or kugel, and Chanie's famous butternut pie, plus dessert courtesy of the Backman children.  No pressure to eat or even taste everything, but be prepared that what might seem like the whole meal is just the first course.

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SATURDAY

Some Saturdays we'll have a minyan and a relaxed and traditional Shabbat morning service. No need to read Hebrew! And (of course!) a huge lunch served right after if you have time to stick around.  Ask the rabbi if there will be a minyan this week.

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