Question 1

What is Shabbos250.com?

Accepted Answer

Shabbos250.com is a calm, beginner-friendly Orthodox companion for the weekly Shabbos. It launched for Shabbos 250 — the national Sabbath President Donald Trump proclaimed for Parshas Bamidbar (May 15–16, 2026) as part of Jewish American Heritage Month 2026 — and now refreshes every week with your local candle lighting and Havdalah times, the upcoming parsha, and a printable step-by-step timeline. This week is Parshas Chukat-Balak (June 26–27, 2026).

Question 2

When is this week's Shabbos?

Accepted Answer

This week's Shabbos is Parshas Chukat-Balak — June 26–27, 2026. The exact start (candle lighting) and end (Havdalah) times depend on your location; enter your ZIP code or city on Shabbos250.com to see your local times.

Question 3

What time does Shabbos start?

Accepted Answer

Candle lighting time is location-specific. Enter your ZIP code or city on Shabbos250.com to see your exact local candle lighting time, which is typically about 18 minutes before sunset on Friday.

Question 4

What time does Shabbos end?

Accepted Answer

Shabbos ends at nightfall on Saturday night and is marked by Havdalah. Enter your ZIP code or city on Shabbos250.com to see your exact local Havdalah time.

Question 5

How do I keep Shabbos if I’m a beginner?

Accepted Answer

Focus on five things: prepare before Shabbos, light candles on time, make Kiddush over wine and Hamotzi over challah for both meals, avoid weekday activities like phone use and driving, and end with Havdalah. The Shabbos250 packet walks through each step.

Question 6

What should I prepare before Shabbos?

Accepted Answer

Cook all food in advance, set lights and timers, prepare candles, wine or grape juice, two challahs, a havdalah candle and spices, print your Shabbos250 packet, put away your phone and wallet, and tear toilet paper for the next 25 hours.

Question 7

Can I use my phone on Shabbos?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Orthodox Shabbos observance avoids phone use, electronics, photography, and any form of work. The point of Shabbos is rest and connection without screens. If you need help in an emergency, preserving life and safety always comes first.

Question 8

Can I drive on Shabbos?

Accepted Answer

No — driving is one of the activities Orthodox Jews refrain from on Shabbos. Plan ahead so you can walk to your destination, or stay home. If you need to attend a synagogue, look up an Orthodox shul within walking distance.

Question 9

What do I need for Kiddush?

Accepted Answer

You need a cup of kosher wine or grape juice, two challahs (or two whole rolls), and the Kiddush text. The Shabbos250 packet provides Friday night Kiddush, the daytime Kiddush, and Hamotzi in Hebrew, transliteration, and English.

Question 10

What do I need for Havdalah?

Accepted Answer

You need a cup of kosher wine or grape juice, fragrant spices (called besamim — cloves, cinnamon, or a spice box), and a multi-wick Havdalah candle. The Shabbos250 packet includes the full Havdalah text.

Question 11

What if I make a mistake?

Accepted Answer

It is okay. Shabbos is meant to be a calm, beginner-friendly experience. Do your best, learn what you can, and remember that any mitzvah you keep matters. For specific halachic questions, contact a qualified Orthodox rabbi.

Question 12

Do I need to print the packet before Shabbos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once Shabbos begins you should not use your phone or screens. Print your packet on Friday before candle lighting and follow it on paper through the weekend.

Question 13

Where can I find a Shabbos meal or synagogue?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Find Help page at Shabbos250.com to request a Shabbos meal, synagogue (shul), or local rabbi connection. We will do our best to connect you before Shabbos begins.

Common questions about Shabbos 250.