Shabbat: An Overview Shabbos is a time to get together. Join with others who keep Shabbos; strengthen your bond of friendship. On Friday night: • Light the Sabbath candles and recite Hundreds of Jewish women from all walks of life participated in last year's Johannesburg Challah Bake. • • • • ning (and plan a delicious, festive meal for Friday night to start the Sabbath). Plan your schedule so you don't need to work or do other "business" from sundown Friday to nightfall Saturday. Turn off your computer, tablet, cellphone and other electronic gadgets for the day. Keep the TV off. Plan to attend services at a synagogue or temple, or study the Torah portion of the week on your own. On Oct. 24, we read Noach (Noah): Bereshit (Genesis) 6:9 through 11:32. Get together with friends or family for one or more of the three Shabbat meals: Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and the "third meal," a light supper before Shab- bat ends Saturday evening. If you feel a little uneasy about observing Shabbat for the first time, the Shabbos Proj- ect can set you up with a coach who can answer your questions and provide helpful information. Sign up on our website, www.shabbosprojectmi.com, or call (248) 583-2476, ext. 267. HOME HOSPITALITY AVAILABLE The Shabbos Project can arrange home hos- pitality for you if you want to experience Shabbat with a traditional family. We can host individuals, couples and families. Sign up on www.shabbosprojectmi.com , or call (248) 583-2476, ext. 267. BID FAREWELL TO THE SABBATH AT A FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT Join the entire Jewish community for a free Havdalah service marking the transition from Shabbat to the new week. After the service, enjoy a fabulous free concert. Watch for details about the place and the performers. Updates will be posted on the Detroit Shabbos project website: www. shabbosprojectmi.com . ❑ TOGETHER KEEP T E SHABBAT B n -2 • Shabbos rest. • On Saturday: • Begin the Sabbath day in the same I'M IN!! V?? Challah Make and Take - Shabbat Festivities Havdalah Concert Call or email for more information (no strings attached!) the blessing. • Sing Shalom Aleichem and recite the Kiddush. As you say the words, let the spirit of the Sabbath enter into you. • Drink the Kiddush wine and let it help you into a state of Shabbos serenity. • Wash your hands with a blessing and remain silent until the blessing over the challahs is said. Dip the challah in salt and eat it slowly, relishing every morsel. • Enjoy the Shabbos meal, tasting the "special seasoning" that Shabbos adds to the food. • Be happy. Hum a tune or sing Zemiros (table hymns) from a prayer book or any Jewish song. • Close the meal with the Birkas HaMazon (Grace After Meals). Thank G-d for giving you food and for the special blessings that come with this day. • After the meal, relax and learn about G-d and His teachings. Read the Torah portion for the week. • Reflect on your life. Ask yourself: What am I doing and where am I going? What does life mean to me? Ask G-d to help you find answers. Be happy that you're alive. • As the evening draws to a close, feel the serenity of Shabbat. Fall asleep in The Shabbos Project • • • • KEEPING IT TOGETHER mood. Spring out of bed. Let the morning service awaken you, both physically and spiritually. Make the second Sabbath meal at noon as much of a banquet as the first meal the night before. Spend the day in deep awareness of Shabbos. Let study and friendship help you keep the mood. As the sun begins to set, the Sabbath Queen is preparing to leave. The third meal is a time of sweet longing for a day that is about to close. When the skies are dark and the stars appear, Shabbos is over. It is time for Havdallah, the prayer that ushers in a new week and that distinguishes between "the holy and the secular." Inhale sweet spices and enjoy a last taste of Paradise. Gaze at the twisted candle and meditate about how this day will brighten the coming week. Do all this, and you will begin to feel the spirit of Shabbos. You might not feel it all the first time, but do not be discouraged. If you truly seek, it will eventually be yours. WWW.SHABBOSPROJECTMI.COM 248-583-2476 EXT. 267 1949110 October 2014 • Chai Israel 47