I’m Jeanie Milbauer, mother of three, entrepreneur and a committed Jewish community activist. Oneg, created with an incredibly talented team, was founded to help people make Friday night Shabbat accessible, meaningful, beautiful and fun.
My Shabbat journey began in earnest when I had kids. But it began slowly. An occasional Shabbat dinner. A quick Shabbat candle lighting. And traditional Jewish food. But over time, it became more and more.
I worked to understand the ritual better. I had a kiddush cup and challah cover from my family of origin, and over time added to it with objects I found beautiful, layering the traditional with the new. I had some prayer books from a friend’s bat mitzvah that were beautiful but not accessible, so we did our best. We had friends and families over to help make the night special.
Note of encouragement: My kids used to complain about all the guests. One Friday night when they were young I gave in to avoid all the kvetching. Sure enough, more complaints. “Just our family, no guests?” Since then, whether it’s a group of friends or a quick invite to a neighbor, we have made Shabbat a time to connect and reconnect. Nary a complaint from kids!
We tried a bowl for smartphones. Over dinner I started my practice of sharing tiny tidbits of Torah I was learning. And, I mean tiny. I liked that it added something different and enhancing to the conversation on meaningful topics we might normally not talk about.
Shabbat became a weekly blessing – a pause, a break from the week, a calming and powerful ritual. And I thought: If I needed an easier path in, I’m probably not alone. Which is what led to Oneg’s first offering: the Shabbat Box.
The Shabbat Box is a curated mix of contemporary, thoughtfully crafted ritual objects – candlesticks, challah cover, kiddush cup, guidebook, conversation cards and more – all built to be guiding and welcoming with handcrafted tools in a beautiful box holding all you need for an easy, meaningful, fun Shabbat. Think of it like Shabbat in a Box. In addition, we’re building out a website with a ton of information, including weekly torah insights, recipes and the melodies for prayers. It will also be a place to build community.
In the end, it’s all about spreading the joy and meaning of Shabbat that I’ve shared with so many over the years. I’m so excited to share that enthusiasm and love with the larger community of people who will gain so much from this ritual. So many of you told me the Shabbat Box is a perfect gift for a family member or friend, or to honor a special life transition including weddings, graduations or a loved one moving to a new city or into a new home.
So now, as I’m about to officially launch Oneg, I’m thinking back in gratitude to our dedicated staff and to all the people who helped road-test the Shabbat Box, offering me suggestions and enthusiasm. Your support has kept me going, and allowed me to undertake this incredible journey.
Join me in sharing the joy of Shabbat.
Let me know what you think! Keep the feedback and ideas coming….we’re always looking for ways to engage and do more.
Shabbat Shalom!
Jeanie
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shabbat?
Shabbat is the Jewish holy day of rest. It commemorates the story of the creation of the world; God made the world in six days, then rested on the seventh, and so do we. Shabbat occurs every Friday night at sundown to Saturday night at sundown. It’s a time to relax, recharge, and reflect on the week.
How is Shabbat celebrated?
How Shabbat is celebrated can vary depending on who celebrates them. That said, the core rituals of Shabbat are:
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Lighting candles: Shabbat begins with the lighting of two candles, which marks the sacred time of the holiday.
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Kiddush: The kiddush is the prayer over Shabbat wine. After the candles are lit, we say kiddush, then everyone takes a sip of Shabbat wine.
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Eating challah: Lastly, we eat a braided bread known as Challah.
What do I need to celebrate Shabbat?
There are only a few simple items needed to celebrate Shabbat, all of which are included in our Shabbat Box. You’ll find candle sticks, candles, matches, a challah cover, and a kiddush cup, along with conversation guards, guidebooks, and a few other items. It’s Shabbat in a box, ready for you to try your hand at this ancient tradition.
How do I start celebrating Shabbat if I'm new?
There's no perfect way to begin celebrating Shabbat. What matters most is showing up with intention and letting the practice grow naturally over time. Start your Shabbat practice small and build from there. Light candles, share a meal, and take a moment to pause from your week.
What is included in an Oneg Shabbat Box?
Our “Shabbat in a box” includes the following items:
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One pair of 9" wood candleholders with affixed brass insert
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Set of 6" wax candles
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Matchbox with oversized 4" matchsticks
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Natural linen challah cover, embroidered with שַבָּת (Shabbat)
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Handmade ceramic kiddush cup
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Year-round Conversation Cards Set that ties back to the Torah
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4 engaging Shabbat Guidebooks. A roadmap to the rituals and blessings of Shabbat eve
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Ceramic match dish
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Set of glass collars
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Reusable magnetic storage box to fit all contents
What makes Shabbat meaningful each week?
The meaning of Shabbat comes from consistency and presence. Setting aside time to rest, connect with loved ones, and reflect creates a rhythm that grounds your week. The rituals themselves are simple, but the space they create for peace is profound.
How can I make Shabbat feel special at home?
To make Shabbat feel special at home, create moments that feel set apart from the rest of your week. Light candles, set a nice table, put away screens, and share good food. Small intentional touches turn an ordinary Friday night into something your household looks forward to.
Our Shabbat box is another easy way to make Shabbat feel special. The items included celebrate an ancient tradition, but are made in modern, contemporary styles that blend beautifully with your home decor.
What if I don't know the Shabbat blessings or prayers?
If you don’t know the Shabbat blessings or prayers, that's completely okay. Many people start by reading blessings from a card or simply expressing gratitude in their own words. Shabbat welcomes you wherever you are in your learning. The intention behind your words matters more than getting them perfect.
How Can Kids Get Involved in Shabbat?
Give kids hands-on roles they can own. Let them light candles with supervision, cover the challah, or pick a song to sing. Discussion cards or simple reflections keep them engaged. When children participate, Shabbat becomes a family experience they treasure.
Ready to begin your Shabbat practice?
