An invitation to Shabbat dinner is a warm welcome to take a peek into someone else’s traditions. But if you’ve never attended one before, the prospect may feel daunting. How should I behave? What’s appropriate to ask? And most importantly, what should I bring to Shabbat dinner?
Bringing a gift to Shabbat is a lovely gesture, but there are a few things to know. Read on to learn all about Shabbat, what gifts work well for Shabbat dinner, and how to show up as a thoughtful, respectful guest.
What is Shabbat?
Shabbat is a weekly Jewish holiday that’s observed from Friday night to Saturday night. It’s the Jewish day of rest, commemorating God’s creation of the world. This weekly ritual centers on self-reflection, gratitude, family, and food.
Shabbat Dinner
The Friday night Shabbat dinner is one of the cornerstones of Shabbat. First, observers will hold a short ceremony to welcome in the holiday. They’ll light candles and recite blessings over wine and challah. Once these rituals are complete, it’s time to enjoy a celebratory meal.
Depending on the family you’re joining for Shabbat, this dinner can be anything from a casual get-together to a formal celebration. Before attending, it’s a good idea to ask your host what to expect, so you can plan accordingly.
About Keeping Kosher
Before selecting something to bring to an upcoming Shabbat dinner, it’s important to first understand the rules of keeping kosher. This set of dietary guidelines is observed by many Jewish people, though not all. These rules include:
-
Keeping meat and dairy separate: According to the Torah, meat and dairy should never be eaten together. Depending on how observant your hosts are, this can show up in many ways. Some families simply won’t serve meat and dairy together, while others may have totally separate dishes, pots and pans, and utensils for meat meals and for dairy meals.
-
No pork products or shellfish: Pork and shellfish are both considered unkosher in all circumstances. If your hosts keep kosher, don’t bring items that contain either.
-
Certified kosher foods only: Packaged foods that are certified kosher have been specifically prepared in a kosher manufacturing facility according to strict rules. If they meet these standards, the packaging will be marked with a symbol known as a hechsher. Look for this symbol before purchasing a food.
What to Bring to a Shabbat Dinner
Bringing a gift to Shabbat dinner is a great way to thank your hosts for including you. Read on to learn some of our favorite, thoughtful Shabbat gifts that show your hosts you care.
Challah
Challah, a braided egg bread, is central to celebrating Shabbat. Not only does a freshly baked challah show that you’ve put thought and time into learning about your friends’ traditions, but it’s an always-welcome treat, too.
Look for a bakery that makes challah in-house, or check your local grocery store to see if they carry a selection. If your hosts keep kosher, make sure you’re purchasing from a kosher bakery. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even try baking one yourself.
Challah Cover
For a gift that will last longer than a weekend, give a challah cover. This decorative cloth is used to cover the challah during the Friday night ritual. Many Jewish families have a selection of challah covers that they choose from according to their tablescape. Gift them another to add to their collection!
Wine
Wine is another integral part of Shabbat. During the ceremony, we say the Kiddush and drink wine from a Kiddush cup to sanctify the holiday. Bringing a bottle of wine is always a welcome gesture, but for kosher hosts be sure to bring a kosher bottle.
For a kid-friendly meal, a bottle of sparkling grape juice is a festive alternative that everyone can enjoy!
Shabbat Candles or Candlesticks
The Friday night Shabbat ceremony begins by lighting the Shabbat candles, a pair of candles that sit in decorative candlesticks. A beautiful set of shabbat candles or a nice set of candlesticks are both thoughtful gifts that honor your hosts’ rituals and traditions.
Flowers
Fresh flowers are a universally appreciated Shabbat gift. They brighten the Shabbat table, aren’t subject to any laws or restrictions, and are always easy to find. To make it an even more thoughtful gift, provide the vase so they don’t need to do the prepwork.
Conversation Cards
If you’ve been invited to Shabbat with a group that tends towards introspective and lively conversation, conversation cards are a great way to bring depth to the Shabbat dinner table. These decorative cards are designed to build connection through entertaining and thought-provoking questions inspired by the week’s Torah portion. Your hosts will appreciate them for Shabbats to come!
Find Meaningful Host Gifts for Shabbat Dinner
An invitation to a Shabbat dinner is a meaningful gesture. Showing up with a gift that honors the occasion shows your hosts that you took the invitation seriously. Kosher food or wine, fresh flowers, and modern ritual items from Oneg Home make for thoughtful gifts that can be universally appreciated. Shop the perfect gift to bring to Shabbat dinner from Oneg Home today.
Ready to begin your Shabbat practice?
