Invited to Shabbat? In big cities like Los Angeles and New York, you might find a group of modern Jewish adults and their non-Jewish friends gathering for dinner in their favorite restaurant. This dinner is Shabbat and the chef has prepared a special menu for them including a slow-cooked meal, loaves of challah bread and candlelight. These are the modern renditions of the Friday night Shabbat dinner which includes new friends, old traditions, and delicious food.

Around the world, people are doing the same thing at home. Gathering their closest friends and family or inviting guests who are new to the experience or perhaps aren't Jewish but want to participate in this dining ritual. For those who haven't attended here are the basics:

Shabbat begins at sunset.

Two candles are lit: representing the two commandments REMEMBER and OBSERVE.

There is a festive and leisurely dinner-by candlelight. Then the man of the house says a prayer over the wine sanctifying shabbat.  There will be a prayer recited for eating challah bread and then the family eats dinner.  Foods are usually slow cooked or stewed since cooking is prohibited during shabbat.

 After dinner, the grace is recited to the sounds of upbeat music.

There is a great blog called theKitchn which is a lifestyle blog and has a fantastic  Shabbat Dinner Menu  which could be served at any time of year. The recipes are ones we love like Moroccan chicken and grilled zucchini. Remember we love all things Moroccan at Faithhaus!

 Now a few suggestions on where to buy your hosting-or gifting- essentials...

THE MODERN WINE CUP

 

Our modern take on the Kiddush Cup (otherwise known as wine vessel). This simple recycled beauty by Hawkins NYC is modern and timeless. $8 each.

 

THE CANDLE HOLDERS

 Obsessed with this candlestick no matter what the occasion. This is a very stylish set by CeMMent and yes, made from cement and stainless steel. So cool. $90-$112

 

SHABBAT CANDLES

Love them with our beautiful beeswax Shabbat candle pair with cotton wicks for a pure burn. $14

 

CHALLAH BREAD COVER & BREAD BOARD

We suggest buying from your local bakery. But you need something to put your challah on and under. We love these options from Jboutiq. Handwoven by a women's group in Latvia, these linen challah bread covers can do double duty and get softer with age. $35.  Each bread/serving board is a unique slice of Oregon burl maple- no two alike. $30 and up.

 

 THE CROCK POT

 The Crock Pot. The best $35 spent ever. Trust us, if you don't already have a crock pot these are a life changer. The added bonus is no electricity after sundown. Target

 

THE HOSTESS GIFT

Should you want to bring a gift for the glowing host, Beautycounter makes all-natural bronzing compacts that are Shabbat (and Yom Tov)-friendly and the perfect gift to give her that summer glow! $39

 

THE WEDDING GIFT

This Shabbat Set from yours truly, Faithhaus makes for a thoughtful wedding, Hanukkah, or housewarming gift. Five essentials in one gorgeous set: wine tumbler, challah cover, candlesticks, candle holder, and Shabbat prayer. All handcrafted for $68.

 

We hope this helps you understand what goes into and what gets used at a (modern) Shabbat dinner.

Love & Light