Shabbat Celebration
"There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath
of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever
you live, it is a Sabbath to the ADONAI." -- Leviticus 23:3
A DAY OF REST -WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT!
ADONAI gave us the Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat) as a day of rest and
rejuvenation, a day to enjoy His creation and focus on Him. Shabbat
means "to rest". How many times in our busy lives we don't take time for
needed rest! The pace of life today is much faster than it's ever been.
Today's families seem to never have enough time to spend together.
Celebrating the Sabbath provides time to unwind, be with family and
refocus on ADONAI. The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday evening and
lasts until sundown on Saturday evening. The Friday evening meal (Erev
Shabbat or "Sabbath Eve") is very special and celebrates entering into
Sabbath rest. Saturday evening it is customary to celebrate the close of
the Sabbath with the Havdalah service.
Unfortunately, the celebration of the Sabbath is a tradition that has
been lost to many Christians. The celebration is an excellent teaching
tool about ADONAI and His plans for humanity, and a wonderful "family time"
as well. This will provide basic information to help you to celebrate
the Sabbath.
HISTORY OF THE SABBATH
The Sabbath was the first festival to be outlined by ADONAI to Moses in the
book of Leviticus. It was the first festival observed by ADONAI Himself in
the book of Genesis, as well as being the first to be observed by man,
even before the revelation at Mount Sinai when the other festivals were
commanded. The Sabbath is a time of rest and is a Picture of the Bride
(ADONAI's people) resting with the Bridegroom, Yeshua (YESHUA). It is very
symbolic of the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath -- the 1000 year
rest (the Millennium).
In ancient Jewish eschatology, it was believed that time was a seven
thousand year period, starting with the creation of the Heavens and the
Earth in Genesis 1 and ending with the Messianic Kingdom in years 6000 -
7000 (Revelation 21). Time was divided into three stages of 2000 years:
Years 1-2000 (after the fall) called Tohu or desolation, years 2000-4000
called Torah, or instruction (after the giving of the law), and years
4000-6000 called Y'mot Mashiach, or days of the Messiah (starting with
the Messiah's birth in the 4000th year). We are currently in this time
period. In the 6000th year the Messianic Kingdom is thought to begin
until year 7000, when the Olam Haba or eternity will begin. Ancient
Rabbis saw the 7 days of a week as a pattern of the seven thousand year
plan of ADONAI. They believed that the Sabbath was a picture of the
Messianic Kingdom, which we refer to as the Millennium.
SABBATH EVE CELEBRATION
(EREV SHABBAT)
-----------------------
The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday evening (Erev Shabbat or
"Sabbath Eve"). The Friday evening meal is very special and celebrates
entering into Sabbath rest. At this time, the focus should turn from the
activities of the week and should center on ADONAI, our family, rest and
rejuvenation.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO CELEBRATE!
1. A pair of candle holders with two white candles and matches
2. Wine or grape juice with glasses
3. A pitcher of water, a bowl and a towel
4. Two loaves of bread (challah is traditional)
5. A salt shaker
6. A nice napkin to cover the bread
7. A special dinner
HOW TO CELEBRATE
Traditionally, the man and woman lead their family in celebration of the
Sabbath, however anyone can perform the service. The steps are numbered
in the order that they should be performed. Explanations for each step
are included in parenthesis. For people not familiar with celebrating the
Sabbath, it is useful and edifying to read the explanations aloud as the
celebration is being performed.
WOMAN
1. Preparation Prayer
(The preparation prayer is spoken by the woman before lighting the
Sabbath candles. Traditionally, the woman covers her head with a scarf
while lighting the candles. A small pair of candles may also be lit by a
daughter, as she learns from her mother.)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings of Your rest and peace
this evening. Holy Spirit, be with us as we partake of this Sabbath.
Fill our hearts and minds with Your shalom, Your peace that surpasses
all understanding. Guide each of us that we may bless one another with
our words and actions. We ask Your blessing over our home and family.
Pour out Your Spirit upon us as we partake of Your Sabbath, Your rest.
May our home, our hearts and our minds be used by You to bring the news
that Your Messiah has come, has risen and will come again! In the name
of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, we pray. Amen.
2. Lighting the Candles
(As the woman lights the candles remember that ADONAI chose another woman,
Mary, to bring forth "The Light of the World" (John 8:12).)
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, asher kid-shanu b'mitz-
votav, v'tzinvanu l'hadlik neyr shel Shabbat
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI, King of the universe who has set us
apart by Your commandments and has enjoined upon us the kindling of the
Sabbath light.
Creation (lighting the first candle) This candle represents creation.
"In the beginning ADONAI created the heavens and the earth...And ADONAI said,
'Let there be light' and there was light." -- Genesis 1:1,3.
Redemption (lighting the second candle) This candle represents
redemption. YESHUA said, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me
will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -- John
(The woman may now pray silently for her children.)
3. Blessings
(The man lays his hands upon his wife and each child as he asks the
ADONAI's blessing upon them. To the wife, he may read Proverbs 31 "A wife
of noble character..." He continues with an appropriate blessing, such
ADONAI, I thank You for Your blessing of this woman to me. I ask that You
bless her. Remove all fear and doubt from her heart and mind. Grant her
Your shalom, Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I ask that You
guide her steps and guard her path from Satan. Let her know that I am
committed to You, and I am committed to her. In the name of Yeshua Ha
Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, I pray. Amen.
(To the children he may read Psalm 127:3 "...children are a reward from
Him." He continues with an appropriate blessing such as:)
ADONAI, I thank You for the blessing of this child. I ask that You fill
him/her with Your Holy Spirit and guard his/her footsteps. I ask that
You guard his/her path from Satan. I ask that You build his/her
character in Your likeness, in truth, honor and light. I ask that You
remove fear from this child and fill him/her with Your Holy Spirit. In
the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, I pray, Amen.
(The cup is held at the base by the fingers, causing them to point
upward. They represent the children of ADONAI, reaching up and longing for
Him. It is interesting to note that when YESHUA "gave thanks" as in
Matthew 26:27, he most likely said the same ancient blessing used here.)
The wine symbolizes YESHUA' shed blood. In Matthew 26:27, YESHUA "took the
cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of
you. This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for
the forgiveness of sins'"
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, boaray peree ha-gofen
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who creates the
fruit of the vine.
(Everyone drinks of the wine.)
5. Washing
Water is used figuratively throughout Scripture to represent the Holy
Spirit. Isaiah 44:3: For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and
streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 12:3: With joy you will draw
water from the wells of salvation. (salvation in Hebrew is "Yeshua").
John 7:37: On the last and greatest day of the Feast, YESHUA stood and
said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and
drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of
living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit,
whom those who believed in him were later to receive.
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who has
sanctified us through Your commandments and instructed us concerning the
washing of hands. We dedicate our hands and ourselves to You.
(The man pours water from the pitcher for everyone to wash their hands.)
6. Bread
(In Leviticus 24:5-9, bread was to be set on the altar each Sabbath as a
lasting covenant. The two loaves on the table are symbolic of the double
portion of manna which ADONAI provided on Fridays for the children of
Israel when they wandered in the wilderness. The bread is covered with a
cloth, which symbolizes the dew that was around the camp when the
Israelites woke up in the desert. When the dew evaporated, the manna,
ADONAI's provision of bread was on the ground.
Traditionally, Challah (pronounced "Halla") is used as the bread (see
related recipe). Challah is a braided bread formed by braiding strips of
dough. This braid is said to represent folded arms, as in rest. )
The bread represents YESHUA, the Bread of Life. YESHUA said "I am the
living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread,
he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the
life of the world." -- John 6:51.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, ha-motzee lechem min ha-
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who brings forth
bread from the earth.
(Starting with the man, everyone breaks off a piece of bread to eat. A
tradition is to sprinkle a little salt on the second bite, recalling
Genesis 3:19: "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.")
7. The Dinner is served
(A special dinner should be served.)
8. Grace after the meal
(Deuteronomy 8:10 says, "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise
the ADONAI your ADONAI for the good land He has given you".)
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blessings You have given us. I
thank You for the blessing of this family to me. I ask that You
strengthen our love for each other and that You fill us with Your Holy
Spirit as we continue to enjoy Your Sabbath, Your rest. I thank You in
the name of Yeshua, Ha Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, who came, died for
our salvation, was raised from the dead and will return to receive all
who call upon His Name. Amen.
(The remainder of the evening and the next day, until sundown are for
rest and enjoying ADONAI's world!)
RECIPE FOR CHALLAH
(Dough can also be made in a bread baking machine)
1/2 c. lukewarm water
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter or margarine (melted)
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 pkg dry yeast
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. salt
3 to 3 1/2 c. white flour
2 Tbsp gluten flour
Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Add milk, melted margarine, sugar and
beaten eggs. Add flour and salt. Mix well, then knead in bowl until
smooth. Put dough on floured board and knead until firm, smooth and not
sticky. Add more flour if needed. Shape into ball. Place in greased
bowl. Brush with oil, cover with towel and let rise about 2 hours until
double in bulk. Punch down dough and knead briefly. Let rest 10 minutes.
Divide dough in half. Divide each half into three equal pieces. Roll
each piece into a strip about 12" long. For each loaf, braid three
pieces. Put on a cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg yolk, sprinkle with
poppy or sesame seeds. Cover with towel and let rise 1 hour. Bake at 375
degrees for 30-35 minutes. Makes two small loaves.
HAVDALAH, THE CLOSE OF THE SABBATH
----------------------------------
At sundown on Saturday evening as the Sabbath draws to a close, it is
customary to celebrate the Havdalah service. Havdalah means separation,
a time to separate the holy from the mundane.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO CELEBRATE!
1. A pair of long thin white candles twisted together and matches. You
can make these by taking two long, thin tapered candles, holding them
together over the spout of a boiling tea kettle and gradually twisting
or wrapping them around each other, starting at the base. Be careful
not to burn yourself!
2. Small jar or box containing a fragrant spice. The fragrant spice can
contain cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, dried grated
orange peel, or whatever you enjoy.
3. Small wine glass placed on a plate or bowl.
4. Wine or grape juice.
5. Bible.
HOW TO CELEBRATE
Late Saturday afternoon, the family should gather for a meal that can be
easily prepared, in keeping with the Sabbath rest. Traditionally, the
Sabbath is said to end when the first three stars are visible. Following
the meal, if it is a clear day, the family can gather outside to try to
spot the first three stars. After the stars have been spotted, the woman
says a prayer that is a farewell to the day, and begins the Havdalah
celebration.
Traditionally, the man and woman lead their family in the Havdalah
celebration, however anyone can perform the service. The man's part and
woman's part have been described separately for easy reference.
Explanations for each step are given in parenthesis For people not
familiar with celebrating Havdalah, it is useful and edifying to read
the explanations aloud as the celebration is being performed.
WOMAN
1. Farewell Prayer
(The woman says a prayer that is a farewell to the day, and begins the
Havdalah celebration.)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your rest. We thank You for Your
Blessed Messiah Yeshua, YESHUA, Who is the Light of the World and Who
came into the darkness of the world to redeem it into the light. May
Your love fill us this night and may we bring Your light to the world.
2. Lighting the Candles
(As the woman lights the candles remember that ADONAI chose another woman,
Mary, to bring forth "The Light of the World" (John 8:12).)
The two candles represent Creation and Redemption. They have been
twisted together symbolically linking our Creation and Redemption
through YESHUA.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, boaray m'oray haaysh.
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who creates the
light of the fire. ADONAI brings light to darkness and into our lives.
(Present the light to everyone to feel the warmth and see the
brightness.)
3. Scripture
(The man reads appropriate Scripture. A suggested reading is John 1:1-
John 1:1-14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with ADONAI,
and the Word was ADONAI. He was with ADONAI in the beginning. Through Him all
things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In
Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in
the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man
who was sent from ADONAI; his name was John. He came as a witness to
testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might
believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the
light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the
world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him,
the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but
His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who
believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of ADONAI --
children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a
husband's will, but born of ADONAI. The Word became flesh and made His
dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and
Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
(The man says the blessing for the wine before pouring it. It will be
poured until it overflows to show the fullness and completion of the
week and the fullness and completion of YESHUA' work. It also indicates
the abundance of blessings we have through YESHUA "'Test me in this,'
says the ADONAI Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates
of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room
enough for it.'" -- Mal 3:10.)
The wine symbolizes YESHUA' shed blood. In Matthew 26:27, YESHUA "took the
cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of
you. This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for
the forgiveness of sins'"
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, boaray peree ha-gofen.
Blessed are You, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who creates the
fruit of the vine.
(Fill the wine glass until it overflows onto a plate. When YESHUA was on
the cross, "...one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear,
bringing a sudden flow of blood and water". -- John 19:34.)
5. Extinguish the Candles
(The candle will be extinguished in the spilled wine. This is symbolic
of the darkness that came over the world when YESHUA died on the cross.)
Luke 23:44-46 - "It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over
the whole land...for the sun stopped shining...YESHUA called out with a
loud voice, 'Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit'"
(Put out the flame in the spilled wine.)
6. Spices
(As the spice box is passed, each one should take a deep breath and try
to remember the fragrance.)
In John 19:40 - "Taking YESHUA' body, the two of them wrapped it, with
the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish
burial customs." The spices signify the sweetness of life experienced in
YESHUA. He said "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the
full" (John 10:10).
(Pass the spice box.)
7. The 23rd Psalm
(The man leads his family in saying the 23rd Psalm.)
(KJV)The ADONAI is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth
my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's
sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will
dwell in the house of the ADONAI forever.
8. Conclusion of Havdalah
Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings given to us. Thank You for
sending Your Son, Messiah Yeshua, YESHUA. Watch over my family as they go
about this week. Place a guard on each of them against Satan and His
followers. Bless us as we follow Your commandments and go into the world
to share the Good News of our Messiah. In YESHUA' Name we pray. Amen.
It is traditional to end with Isaiah 52:7:
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those that bring good
news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation
(Hebrew: Yeshua), who say to Zion 'Your ADONAI reigns!'".
(Traditionally, dessert is served after the Havdalah service.)
"There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath
of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever
you live, it is a Sabbath to the ADONAI." -- Leviticus 23:3
A DAY OF REST -WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT!
ADONAI gave us the Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat) as a day of rest and
rejuvenation, a day to enjoy His creation and focus on Him. Shabbat
means "to rest". How many times in our busy lives we don't take time for
needed rest! The pace of life today is much faster than it's ever been.
Today's families seem to never have enough time to spend together.
Celebrating the Sabbath provides time to unwind, be with family and
refocus on ADONAI. The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday evening and
lasts until sundown on Saturday evening. The Friday evening meal (Erev
Shabbat or "Sabbath Eve") is very special and celebrates entering into
Sabbath rest. Saturday evening it is customary to celebrate the close of
the Sabbath with the Havdalah service.
Unfortunately, the celebration of the Sabbath is a tradition that has
been lost to many Christians. The celebration is an excellent teaching
tool about ADONAI and His plans for humanity, and a wonderful "family time"
as well. This will provide basic information to help you to celebrate
the Sabbath.
HISTORY OF THE SABBATH
The Sabbath was the first festival to be outlined by ADONAI to Moses in the
book of Leviticus. It was the first festival observed by ADONAI Himself in
the book of Genesis, as well as being the first to be observed by man,
even before the revelation at Mount Sinai when the other festivals were
commanded. The Sabbath is a time of rest and is a Picture of the Bride
(ADONAI's people) resting with the Bridegroom, Yeshua (YESHUA). It is very
symbolic of the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath -- the 1000 year
rest (the Millennium).
In ancient Jewish eschatology, it was believed that time was a seven
thousand year period, starting with the creation of the Heavens and the
Earth in Genesis 1 and ending with the Messianic Kingdom in years 6000 -
7000 (Revelation 21). Time was divided into three stages of 2000 years:
Years 1-2000 (after the fall) called Tohu or desolation, years 2000-4000
called Torah, or instruction (after the giving of the law), and years
4000-6000 called Y'mot Mashiach, or days of the Messiah (starting with
the Messiah's birth in the 4000th year). We are currently in this time
period. In the 6000th year the Messianic Kingdom is thought to begin
until year 7000, when the Olam Haba or eternity will begin. Ancient
Rabbis saw the 7 days of a week as a pattern of the seven thousand year
plan of ADONAI. They believed that the Sabbath was a picture of the
Messianic Kingdom, which we refer to as the Millennium.
SABBATH EVE CELEBRATION
(EREV SHABBAT)
-----------------------
The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday evening (Erev Shabbat or
"Sabbath Eve"). The Friday evening meal is very special and celebrates
entering into Sabbath rest. At this time, the focus should turn from the
activities of the week and should center on ADONAI, our family, rest and
rejuvenation.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO CELEBRATE!
1. A pair of candle holders with two white candles and matches
2. Wine or grape juice with glasses
3. A pitcher of water, a bowl and a towel
4. Two loaves of bread (challah is traditional)
5. A salt shaker
6. A nice napkin to cover the bread
7. A special dinner
HOW TO CELEBRATE
Traditionally, the man and woman lead their family in celebration of the
Sabbath, however anyone can perform the service. The steps are numbered
in the order that they should be performed. Explanations for each step
are included in parenthesis. For people not familiar with celebrating the
Sabbath, it is useful and edifying to read the explanations aloud as the
celebration is being performed.
WOMAN
1. Preparation Prayer
(The preparation prayer is spoken by the woman before lighting the
Sabbath candles. Traditionally, the woman covers her head with a scarf
while lighting the candles. A small pair of candles may also be lit by a
daughter, as she learns from her mother.)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings of Your rest and peace
this evening. Holy Spirit, be with us as we partake of this Sabbath.
Fill our hearts and minds with Your shalom, Your peace that surpasses
all understanding. Guide each of us that we may bless one another with
our words and actions. We ask Your blessing over our home and family.
Pour out Your Spirit upon us as we partake of Your Sabbath, Your rest.
May our home, our hearts and our minds be used by You to bring the news
that Your Messiah has come, has risen and will come again! In the name
of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, we pray. Amen.
2. Lighting the Candles
(As the woman lights the candles remember that ADONAI chose another woman,
Mary, to bring forth "The Light of the World" (John 8:12).)
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, asher kid-shanu b'mitz-
votav, v'tzinvanu l'hadlik neyr shel Shabbat
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI, King of the universe who has set us
apart by Your commandments and has enjoined upon us the kindling of the
Sabbath light.
Creation (lighting the first candle) This candle represents creation.
"In the beginning ADONAI created the heavens and the earth...And ADONAI said,
'Let there be light' and there was light." -- Genesis 1:1,3.
Redemption (lighting the second candle) This candle represents
redemption. YESHUA said, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me
will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -- John
(The woman may now pray silently for her children.)
3. Blessings
(The man lays his hands upon his wife and each child as he asks the
ADONAI's blessing upon them. To the wife, he may read Proverbs 31 "A wife
of noble character..." He continues with an appropriate blessing, such
ADONAI, I thank You for Your blessing of this woman to me. I ask that You
bless her. Remove all fear and doubt from her heart and mind. Grant her
Your shalom, Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I ask that You
guide her steps and guard her path from Satan. Let her know that I am
committed to You, and I am committed to her. In the name of Yeshua Ha
Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, I pray. Amen.
(To the children he may read Psalm 127:3 "...children are a reward from
Him." He continues with an appropriate blessing such as:)
ADONAI, I thank You for the blessing of this child. I ask that You fill
him/her with Your Holy Spirit and guard his/her footsteps. I ask that
You guard his/her path from Satan. I ask that You build his/her
character in Your likeness, in truth, honor and light. I ask that You
remove fear from this child and fill him/her with Your Holy Spirit. In
the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, I pray, Amen.
(The cup is held at the base by the fingers, causing them to point
upward. They represent the children of ADONAI, reaching up and longing for
Him. It is interesting to note that when YESHUA "gave thanks" as in
Matthew 26:27, he most likely said the same ancient blessing used here.)
The wine symbolizes YESHUA' shed blood. In Matthew 26:27, YESHUA "took the
cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of
you. This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for
the forgiveness of sins'"
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, boaray peree ha-gofen
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who creates the
fruit of the vine.
(Everyone drinks of the wine.)
5. Washing
Water is used figuratively throughout Scripture to represent the Holy
Spirit. Isaiah 44:3: For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and
streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 12:3: With joy you will draw
water from the wells of salvation. (salvation in Hebrew is "Yeshua").
John 7:37: On the last and greatest day of the Feast, YESHUA stood and
said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and
drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of
living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit,
whom those who believed in him were later to receive.
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who has
sanctified us through Your commandments and instructed us concerning the
washing of hands. We dedicate our hands and ourselves to You.
(The man pours water from the pitcher for everyone to wash their hands.)
6. Bread
(In Leviticus 24:5-9, bread was to be set on the altar each Sabbath as a
lasting covenant. The two loaves on the table are symbolic of the double
portion of manna which ADONAI provided on Fridays for the children of
Israel when they wandered in the wilderness. The bread is covered with a
cloth, which symbolizes the dew that was around the camp when the
Israelites woke up in the desert. When the dew evaporated, the manna,
ADONAI's provision of bread was on the ground.
Traditionally, Challah (pronounced "Halla") is used as the bread (see
related recipe). Challah is a braided bread formed by braiding strips of
dough. This braid is said to represent folded arms, as in rest. )
The bread represents YESHUA, the Bread of Life. YESHUA said "I am the
living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread,
he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the
life of the world." -- John 6:51.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, ha-motzee lechem min ha-
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who brings forth
bread from the earth.
(Starting with the man, everyone breaks off a piece of bread to eat. A
tradition is to sprinkle a little salt on the second bite, recalling
Genesis 3:19: "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.")
7. The Dinner is served
(A special dinner should be served.)
8. Grace after the meal
(Deuteronomy 8:10 says, "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise
the ADONAI your ADONAI for the good land He has given you".)
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blessings You have given us. I
thank You for the blessing of this family to me. I ask that You
strengthen our love for each other and that You fill us with Your Holy
Spirit as we continue to enjoy Your Sabbath, Your rest. I thank You in
the name of Yeshua, Ha Mashiach, YESHUA the Messiah, who came, died for
our salvation, was raised from the dead and will return to receive all
who call upon His Name. Amen.
(The remainder of the evening and the next day, until sundown are for
rest and enjoying ADONAI's world!)
RECIPE FOR CHALLAH
(Dough can also be made in a bread baking machine)
1/2 c. lukewarm water
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter or margarine (melted)
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 pkg dry yeast
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. salt
3 to 3 1/2 c. white flour
2 Tbsp gluten flour
Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Add milk, melted margarine, sugar and
beaten eggs. Add flour and salt. Mix well, then knead in bowl until
smooth. Put dough on floured board and knead until firm, smooth and not
sticky. Add more flour if needed. Shape into ball. Place in greased
bowl. Brush with oil, cover with towel and let rise about 2 hours until
double in bulk. Punch down dough and knead briefly. Let rest 10 minutes.
Divide dough in half. Divide each half into three equal pieces. Roll
each piece into a strip about 12" long. For each loaf, braid three
pieces. Put on a cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg yolk, sprinkle with
poppy or sesame seeds. Cover with towel and let rise 1 hour. Bake at 375
degrees for 30-35 minutes. Makes two small loaves.
HAVDALAH, THE CLOSE OF THE SABBATH
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At sundown on Saturday evening as the Sabbath draws to a close, it is
customary to celebrate the Havdalah service. Havdalah means separation,
a time to separate the holy from the mundane.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO CELEBRATE!
1. A pair of long thin white candles twisted together and matches. You
can make these by taking two long, thin tapered candles, holding them
together over the spout of a boiling tea kettle and gradually twisting
or wrapping them around each other, starting at the base. Be careful
not to burn yourself!
2. Small jar or box containing a fragrant spice. The fragrant spice can
contain cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, dried grated
orange peel, or whatever you enjoy.
3. Small wine glass placed on a plate or bowl.
4. Wine or grape juice.
5. Bible.
HOW TO CELEBRATE
Late Saturday afternoon, the family should gather for a meal that can be
easily prepared, in keeping with the Sabbath rest. Traditionally, the
Sabbath is said to end when the first three stars are visible. Following
the meal, if it is a clear day, the family can gather outside to try to
spot the first three stars. After the stars have been spotted, the woman
says a prayer that is a farewell to the day, and begins the Havdalah
celebration.
Traditionally, the man and woman lead their family in the Havdalah
celebration, however anyone can perform the service. The man's part and
woman's part have been described separately for easy reference.
Explanations for each step are given in parenthesis For people not
familiar with celebrating Havdalah, it is useful and edifying to read
the explanations aloud as the celebration is being performed.
WOMAN
1. Farewell Prayer
(The woman says a prayer that is a farewell to the day, and begins the
Havdalah celebration.)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your rest. We thank You for Your
Blessed Messiah Yeshua, YESHUA, Who is the Light of the World and Who
came into the darkness of the world to redeem it into the light. May
Your love fill us this night and may we bring Your light to the world.
2. Lighting the Candles
(As the woman lights the candles remember that ADONAI chose another woman,
Mary, to bring forth "The Light of the World" (John 8:12).)
The two candles represent Creation and Redemption. They have been
twisted together symbolically linking our Creation and Redemption
through YESHUA.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, boaray m'oray haaysh.
Blessed art Thou, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who creates the
light of the fire. ADONAI brings light to darkness and into our lives.
(Present the light to everyone to feel the warmth and see the
brightness.)
3. Scripture
(The man reads appropriate Scripture. A suggested reading is John 1:1-
John 1:1-14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with ADONAI,
and the Word was ADONAI. He was with ADONAI in the beginning. Through Him all
things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In
Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in
the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man
who was sent from ADONAI; his name was John. He came as a witness to
testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might
believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the
light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the
world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him,
the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but
His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who
believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of ADONAI --
children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a
husband's will, but born of ADONAI. The Word became flesh and made His
dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and
Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
(The man says the blessing for the wine before pouring it. It will be
poured until it overflows to show the fullness and completion of the
week and the fullness and completion of YESHUA' work. It also indicates
the abundance of blessings we have through YESHUA "'Test me in this,'
says the ADONAI Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates
of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room
enough for it.'" -- Mal 3:10.)
The wine symbolizes YESHUA' shed blood. In Matthew 26:27, YESHUA "took the
cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of
you. This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for
the forgiveness of sins'"
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, boaray peree ha-gofen.
Blessed are You, O ADONAI our, King of the universe, who creates the
fruit of the vine.
(Fill the wine glass until it overflows onto a plate. When YESHUA was on
the cross, "...one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear,
bringing a sudden flow of blood and water". -- John 19:34.)
5. Extinguish the Candles
(The candle will be extinguished in the spilled wine. This is symbolic
of the darkness that came over the world when YESHUA died on the cross.)
Luke 23:44-46 - "It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over
the whole land...for the sun stopped shining...YESHUA called out with a
loud voice, 'Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit'"
(Put out the flame in the spilled wine.)
6. Spices
(As the spice box is passed, each one should take a deep breath and try
to remember the fragrance.)
In John 19:40 - "Taking YESHUA' body, the two of them wrapped it, with
the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish
burial customs." The spices signify the sweetness of life experienced in
YESHUA. He said "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the
full" (John 10:10).
(Pass the spice box.)
7. The 23rd Psalm
(The man leads his family in saying the 23rd Psalm.)
(KJV)The ADONAI is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth
my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's
sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will
dwell in the house of the ADONAI forever.
8. Conclusion of Havdalah
Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings given to us. Thank You for
sending Your Son, Messiah Yeshua, YESHUA. Watch over my family as they go
about this week. Place a guard on each of them against Satan and His
followers. Bless us as we follow Your commandments and go into the world
to share the Good News of our Messiah. In YESHUA' Name we pray. Amen.
It is traditional to end with Isaiah 52:7:
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those that bring good
news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation
(Hebrew: Yeshua), who say to Zion 'Your ADONAI reigns!'".
(Traditionally, dessert is served after the Havdalah service.)