Glossary

A symbolic boundary (often wire) that surrounds a neighborhood, halachically extending the 'private domain.' This allows carrying items like keys, strollers, or tallit bags outside on Shabbat.

Literally 'set aside.' Items that have no permissible use on Shabbat (like money, pens, smartphones, or rocks) and may not be moved or handled.

The principle that saving a life overrides virtually every Shabbat restriction. If there is even a doubt of danger, one must violate Shabbat to help.

The mitzvah of 'Honoring Shabbat' by wearing one's finest clothing, showering before it begins, and setting the table beautifully.

The mitzvah of 'Delighting in Shabbat' through physical pleasures: eating delicious food, resting/napping, and spending time with family.

Doing an action in an unusual way (e.g., pushing a light switch with an elbow). While still generally prohibited, it changes the halachic status of the action in certain pressing situations.

A metal warming tray left on for the duration of Shabbat. It maintains the heat of pre-cooked food without 'cooking' it, allowing for hot meals on Saturday day.

A large electric water boiler that remains hot all Shabbat. It allows one to make tea or coffee without violating the prohibition of boiling water.

A metal sheet placed over a stovetop flame. It acts as a separation between the fire and the food, allowing pots to be kept warm.

An outlet timer set before Shabbat that automatically turns lights or appliances (like air conditioning) on and off at preset times.

A lamp designed with a twisting shade. The bulb stays on, but you can mechanically block the light to darken the room without breaking an electrical circuit.

The sanctification prayer recited over a cup of wine or grape juice at the beginning of the Friday night and Saturday lunch meals.

The 'Double Portion.' We bless two loaves of Challah at every meal to commemorate the double portion of Manna that fell in the desert on Fridays.

The braided egg bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat. The braids symbolize unity and love.

A slow-cooked stew (usually meat, beans, potatoes, and barley) that simmers overnight on the Plata to provide a hot lunch on Saturday.

The 'Third Meal' eaten late Shabbat afternoon as the sun sets. It is often a time for spiritual songs (Zemiros) and lighter food.

The multi-sensory ceremony marking the end of Shabbat. We use wine (taste), spices (smell), and a braided candle (sight) to comfort the soul as it leaves the holiness of the day.

The 'Escorting of the Queen.' A post-Shabbat meal served on Saturday night to extend the atmosphere of Shabbat into the week.

The mystical Friday night service featuring Psalms and the song 'Lecha Dodi,' welcoming the Shabbat Queen.

(Yiddish) The public reading of the weekly Torah portion (Parasha) from a handwritten parchment scroll.

The weekly section of the Torah read on Shabbat. The Torah is divided so the entire Five Books of Moses are read over the course of a year.

A selection from the Prophets (Nevi'im) read after the Torah reading, usually sharing a theme with the weekly Parasha.

'The Soul of Every Living Thing.' A poetic, lengthy prayer of gratitude recited only on Shabbat and Festivals.

The 'Additional' prayer service recited on Shabbat morning, corresponding to the extra sacrifice brought in the Holy Temple on Shabbat.

Candle lighting. The exact minute (18 minutes before sunset) when Shabbat formally begins for the home.

Sunset. The moment the sun disappears below the horizon, marking the transition from day to twilight.

Nightfall (literally 'The Appearance of Stars'). The moment three medium stars are visible, marking the official end of Shabbat.