The Gemara says: "If all of Israel would keep two Shabbatot properly, they would be immediately redeemed." Shabbat is Hashem's most precious gift — a weekly taste of Olam HaBa, a day when the neshamah yeteira (additional soul) descends into every Jew.
From the moment the woman of the house kindles the Shabbat candles, peace descends upon the home. Kiddush sanctifies the day, Challah reminds us of the manna in the desert, and Zemiros fill the air with holy joy. The Rebbe encouraged every Jewish woman and girl to light Shabbat candles — for each candle brings more light into the world.
Every Yom Tov is a spiritual treasure: Rosh Hashanah — crowning Hashem as King; Yom Kippur — the soul's return to its Source; Sukkot — embracing Divine joy; Chanukah — the miracle of light over darkness; Purim — when hidden becomes revealed; Pesach — the birth of a nation; Shavuot — receiving the Torah anew. Each holiday brings unique spiritual energies that the Rebbe taught us to harness.
Every holiday is a spiritual treasure — click to learn more
Shabbat begins 18 minutes before sunset on Friday (candle lighting time) and ends after nightfall on Saturday night when three stars are visible. In Hadera, Israel, Shabbat times vary by season. In summer, candle lighting can be as late as 7:30 PM, while in winter it can be as early as 4:00 PM.
The 39 categories (avot melachot) include: plowing, planting, reaping, gathering, threshing, winnowing, selecting, grinding, sifting, kneading, baking, shearing, bleaching, combing, dyeing, spinning, weaving, tying, untying, sewing, tearing, trapping, slaughtering, skinning, salting, tanning, smoothing, cutting, writing, erasing, building, demolishing, extinguishing fire, kindling fire, striking the final hammer blow, and carrying in public.
Kiddush (קידוש) — 'sanctification' — is the blessing recited over wine to sanctify Shabbat and Jewish holidays. On Friday night, Kiddush begins with the verses from Bereishit describing Shabbat creation (Vayechulu), followed by the blessing over wine. On Shabbat morning, a shorter Kiddush ('Kiddusha Rabbah') is recited at the Shabbat meal.
The Rebbe strongly encouraged every Jewish woman and girl to light Shabbat candles, even young girls from age 3. The Rebbe taught that each additional Shabbat candle lit in the world brings more spiritual light into the universe. Chabad custom is to light before sunset, recite the blessing, and then cover the eyes before uncovering them to 'see' the candles.
Havdalah (הבדלה) — 'separation' — is the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat. It involves blessings over wine, fragrant spices (besamim), and a braided candle (for its multiple wicks). It separates the holy from the mundane, Shabbat from the weekday. The Rebbe encouraged making Havdalah immediately after Shabbat ends.
The Hebrew calendar holidays in order: Rosh Hashana (1-2 Tishrei), Yom Kippur (10 Tishrei), Sukkot (15-21 Tishrei), Simchat Torah (22-23 Tishrei), Chanukah (25 Kislev - 2/3 Tevet), Tu BiShvat (15 Shevat), Purim (14 Adar), Pesach (15-22 Nisan), Lag BaOmer (18 Iyar), Shavuot (6-7 Sivan), Tisha B'Av (9 Av).
The Rebbe taught: "When you help another Jew study Torah, it is as if you studied it yourself." Your tzedakah sustains Torah learning in Hadera.
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