HOLDING A SHABBAT AT HOME

Guidelines from the Narberth Havurah

Occurs on a Friday evening when there is no Havurah Shabbat service or event already scheduled.
Includes a minimum of three consistent ritual elements: candle lighting, drinking of wine or grape juice (Kiddush), and breaking of bread (Ha-Motzi), with appropriate prayers/blessings (see C3 below).
Host/s will determine whether the gathering and program are appropriate for children, adults, or both.
References to "host/s" includes those persons who wish to create and/or offer their homes for an At-Home Shabbat evening. The host/s may do either or both.

Members interested in hosting an At-Home Shabbat are asked to send a written description of it to Peggy Greenfeld at peggy.greenfeld@gmail.com; no censorship or limits will be imposed. All scheduled At-Home Shabbats will be described on the website and included in the Havurah calendar and newsletter.
The description should include - a. Who Ð who are the host/s and who might find this topic/event interesting (please clarify an appropriate age range); b. What - what the host/s anticipate will take place, what goals will be accomplished, and whether refreshments will be served and/or solicited; c. Where - whose home, including the address, a contact phone number, and directions; d. When - date, time.

An At-Home Shabbat may be created based on anything that inspires the host/s to gather Havurim together. Examples are a book, reading, movie, Torah portion, current event, significant life event (such as a milestone birthday, anniversary, or engagement), or simply because it's Shabbat.
The evening might include discussion, singing, dancing, meditating, cooking, baking for holidays, etc. Creativity is encouraged.
At-Home Shabbat Ritual Blessings:
a. Lighting the Shabbat Candles
Baruch atah Adonai elohaynu melech ha'olam asher kidshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has made us holy with mitzvot and instructs us to kindle the lights of Shabbat.
b. Kiddush Ð Blessing over the wine or grape juice
Baruch atah Adonai elohaynu melech ha'olam boray p'ri ha-gafen.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
c. Ha-Motzi - Blessing over the challah
Baruch atah Adonai elohaynu melech ha'olam hamotzi lechem meen ha'aretz.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
Some useful web resources: