It Began on Shabbos

When my family and I first began exploring Judaism we discovered very quickly that there was a lot to learn. The task of becoming an observant Jewish family seemed daunting to say the least. What were we to do? I suppose we could have just given up, but for us that wasn't an option. We had experienced the richness of Jewish tradition while visiting friends and worshiping at synagogue. We wanted that for ourselves! How and where to start was the question. As my farmer friends might say, "You can't eat the whole cow at one sitting!"

We began with one simple mitzvah. My wife began lighting Shabbat candles on Friday night.

 We added a festive meal that made the day special. The Spirit of Shabbos quickly filled our home. I felt that I had to learn the Friday night Kiddush, the special prayer said over wine that sanctifies the Shabbat. One problem: the prayer is in Hebrew and the one Hebrew word I knew was "Amen!" The synagogue we attended offered a free Beginner Hebrew class, in which I enrolled. Before long I had learned just enough to be able to chant the Kiddush.

Shabbat has become the highlight of our week. My younger daughter learned how to use a calendar by counting the days until Shabbat arrived! We attend services regularly. I find the Torah service especially moving and meaningful. It has been a joy to watch my children experience the wonder and joy of Shabbos. When we make Havdalah, the short service that ends Shabbat, we feel like we have been refreshed and revived to begin a new week. There are many ways that we could have begun this spiritual journey. Thank G-d it began on Shabbos!

Suggested Links:
Shabbat at Home (Chabad)
7 Entry Steps to Shabbat (USCJ)
Shabbat (aish.com)