Shabbat 101 - An Island in Time: Judaism at first glance

This bonus session introduces basic Hebrew words for everyday use, clarifying it is not a religious module, and covers Hebrew basics, the alphabet, and examples like shalom and todah.

Learn essential biblical Hebrew vocabulary—God names such as Elohim, Adonai, Hashem, and sacred terms like Shema Israel, mitzvah, tzedakah, tikkun olam, Beresheet, and teshuva—to understand Shabbat and Jewish study.

Explore essential Shabbat Hebrew vocabulary and the meanings of key terms such as kiddush, havdalah, shacharit, amidah, and siddur. Learn how these words frame upcoming Shabbat services and readings.

Explore what Shabbat means as a weekly island of time, a day of rest that reconnects you to God, family, and the Jewish community.

Explore the spiritual essence for rest on Shabbat as the soul detaches from troubling thoughts and connects with God, family, and the Jewish community.

Learn when to prepare for Shabbat, usually Thursday or Friday, with five to six hours before Shabbat starts, and observe no cooking, no electricity, and no money on Shabbat.

Prepare for Shabbat by cleaning in advance, cultivating a peaceful home, and using a Chabad checklist for pre‐Shabbat meals, lights, and no‑work rules.

Shabbat officially starts at sunset each Friday, with times varying by location; you can welcome it before sunset, and candle lighting often occurs about 40–45 minutes before.

Learn to welcome Shabbat at home with candles, wine, and challah, performing three blessings during a 12-minute candle-lighting ritual using Siddur Hashem and a blessings file.

Explore the synagogue service, including Shacharit on Shabbos, Torah reading, Mussaf, kiddush and Shabbat meals, while learning dress codes, kippah, tallit, and tzitzit practices.

Explore common Shabbat activities—praying in the synagogue, sharing a meal, walking, reading and studying Torah, singing, and spending time with loved ones—while avoiding work and electronics.

Shabbat ends when three stars appear, about 32 minutes after sunset in winter and 38 in summer, varying by region; use a mechanical clock or apps, and avoid constant time-telling.

Learn how Havdalah closes Shabbat with wine, fragrant spices, and a kosher candle. Participants share the ritual with the kiddush cup, marking the week's light giving way to the ordinary.

Congratulates you on completing this course and learning many things about Shabbos, and invites you to explore Jewish holidays, practices, and the mentality of Judaism in other courses.