Try to make today better than
yesterday. Search for opportunities to
grow and deepen your roots.
Make a list of Shabbat
opportunities. What can you tackle as a family or individual to enhance the
meaning of Shabbat in your life?
Action (mitzvot aseh)
It is a mitzvah
for the family to prepare for Shabbat and celebrate it together. Individuals
should consider inviting friends were joining with others to celebrate.
It is a mitzvah to light Shabbat candles with the appropriate berakha, blessing.
It is a mitzvah to sing the Kiddush and welcome Shabbat with wine, in the home
as well as in the synagogue.
It is a mitzvah to say the berakha
over two hallot when starting a meal.
It is a mitzvah
to have a special meal and say birkat ha-mazon (grace after meals) afterward.
It is a
mitzvah to join the Congregation in prayer during Shabbat.
It is
a mitzvah to maintain and enjoy the special quality of Shabbat throughout the
day.
It is a mitzvah to recite Havdalah, concluding
the Shabbat, over a candle, wine and spices.
What not to
do (mitzvot lo-taaseh)
It is a mitzvah
to not engage in gainful work on Shabbat.
It is a mitzvah not to perform household
chores and Shabbat.
It is a Mitzvah to refrain from shopping on Shabbat.
It is a mitzvah to not participate in social, organizational events on Shabbat.
These
are 12 different mitzvot.* There are
many more we can consider and choose. However these suggestions are a good
place to start.
*Mitzvah means, that which we do in response to God’s
ordinance.
