Shabbat dinner

What it is

Three meals are eaten on Shabbat, and Friday night's is the first and usually the grandest. It opens with rituals. Candles are lit shortly before sunset, traditionally by the woman of the house. After evening prayers the family sings a song of welcome to the Sabbath angels, and parents bless their children. Kiddush, the blessing that sanctifies the day, is recited over a cup of wine. Hands are washed, and a blessing is said over two loaves of challah, which are then cut or torn and shared.

The food

Because cooking is not done on Shabbat, everything is prepared before sunset and kept warm. Menus vary across the Jewish world. An Ashkenazi table might have fish, chicken soup, roast chicken and a baked noodle or potato pudding. A North African table might begin with fish in a spicy tomato sauce and many small salads. For Saturday lunch there are slow stews that cook overnight on a low heat, known as cholent among Ashkenazim and hamin among Sephardim.

How it works

The meal is long and slow. Between courses people talk, sing table songs called zemirot, and often share a thought on the weekly Torah reading. It ends with the grace after meals. In observant homes no lights are switched, no phones are used and nothing is written from sunset on. Hosting guests is a valued part of the day, and visitors, students and travellers are regularly invited to join a family's table.

How to do it

1. Arrive before sunset if your hosts are observant.
2. Stand or sit quietly for Kiddush and answer amen.
3. Wash hands when the others do, then stay silent until the bread is blessed.
4. Take a piece of challah when it is passed.
5. Stay for the songs and the closing grace.

Good manners

• In an observant home, do not use your phone, take photos or offer to turn on lights.
• Bring only kosher gifts, such as sealed kosher wine, and deliver them before sunset.
• Greet people with Shabbat shalom.

What is eaten

ChallahBraided egg bread central to Jewish Sabbath and holiday mealsGefilte fishPoached patties of seasoned fish, often topped with carrotChicken soupA hot soup of chicken simmered with vegetables, noodles or grainsCholentA slow-cooked Jewish stew of meat, beans, grains and potatoes for the SabbathKugelAshkenazi Jewish baked casserole of noodles or potatoes, sweet or savoryJachnunSlow-baked Yemenite Jewish bread for Shabbat mornings

Also part of it, and being written: Chraime, Matzah ball.

Sources and further reading

• Shabbat meals on Wikipedia
• BBC Religions: Sabbath
• My Jewish Learning: Shabbat 101