Question 1

What is Shabbos 250?

Accepted Answer

Shabbos 250 — also called Shabbat 250 — is a national Shabbat designated by President Donald Trump in his Jewish American Heritage Month 2026 proclamation, in honor of America's 250th anniversary. It is an invitation for Jewish Americans to come together for one full Orthodox Shabbos beginning before sundown on Friday, May 15, 2026 (Parshas Bamidbar) and ending after nightfall on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as part of the Rededicate 250 weekend of prayer and thanksgiving.

Question 2

When is Shabbos 250?

Accepted Answer

Shabbos 250 takes place from Friday afternoon, May 15, 2026 through Saturday night, May 16, 2026. The exact start (candle lighting) and end (Havdalah) times depend on your location.

Question 3

What time does Shabbos start on May 15, 2026?

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 on May 16, 2026?

Accepted Answer

Shabbos ends at nightfall on Saturday, May 16, 2026 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 Shabbos 250 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 Shabbos 250 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 Shabbos 250 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 Shabbos 250 packet includes the full Havdalah text.

Question 11

What if I make a mistake?

Accepted Answer

It is okay. Shabbos 250 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 250 begins.

Common questions about Shabbos 250.