Around the Shabbat Table
1. To set the stage for your Shabbat meal, begin by placing candlesticks on the table or a sideboard. Insert two candles, wave your arms three times over the candles in a circular motion to welcome and embrace the shabbat, and recite the blessing for candle lighting. By lighting the candles, you invite the spirituality and tranquillity if shabbat into your home.
1. After candle lighting, pour a cup of wine and either designate a person to recite the kiddush or say the kiddush together as a group. After reciting the kiddush, all guests partake in a sip of wine or grape
3. In traditional homes, dinner guests wash there hands by pouring water from a cup over each of their hands three times in preparation for the rest of the meal. The hand washing is followed by the traditional blessing.
4. The Hamotzi, or prayer over the challah, follows hand washing. The challah should be on the table during the candle lighting and kiddush obscured from view by a decorative cloth. After hand washing, remove the cloth and have one person say the blessing over the bread.
Slice or rip one of the loaves of challah and sprinkle pieces with salt before distributing them to your guests.
