PACKET PREVIEW · · 17 pages
SHABBOS · PARSHAS SHOFTIM
FRIDAY MAY 15 · SATURDAY NIGHT MAY 16 · 2026
Your Step-by-Step
Guide to One Full Shabbos
Personalized For
Parsha
Parshas Bamidbar
Light Candles
7:48 PM
Friday, August 14, 2026
Shabbos Ends
8:53 PM
Saturday night, August 15, 2026
Print before Shabbos. Follow one step at a time.
A BEGINNER-FRIENDLY ORTHODOX SHABBOS GUIDE
PAGE 2Quick Start
Your Shabbos at a Glance
Use this page as your map. Then follow each step when you reach that part of Shabbos.
Before Shabbos
→ STEP 1Cook, prepare, print, set lights, put away phone.
Candle Lighting
→ STEP 2Light candles before 7:48 PM.
Friday Night
→ STEPS 3–5Prayer, Kiddush, challah, meal, rest.
Shabbos Morning
→ STEPS 6–7Shul or prayer, Torah, daytime Kiddush, lunch.
Shabbos Afternoon
→ STEPS 8–9Rest, learn, walk, talk, Shalosh Seudos.
Saturday Night
→ STEPS 10–11Wait until 8:53 PM, make Havdalah.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 2
PAGE 3STEP 01
Prepare Before Shabbos
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
It is Friday before Shabbos. This is the time to prepare everything you will need for the next 25 hours.
Here’s what to prepare
- 01Cook and prepare all food before candle lighting.
- 02Set lights, timers, AC/heat, and any electronics for the next 25 hours.
- 03Prepare candles and matches.
- 04Set out wine or grape juice and two challahs (or rolls).
- 05Print this packet so you can follow it without your phone.
- 06Put away your phone, laptop, wallet, and work items.
- 07Open packages, tear toilet paper, and unscrew bottle caps you will use.
- 08Print directions to your shul or host if you need them.
- 09Give a small amount to tzedakah (charity).
- 10Get dressed for Shabbos.
SHABBOS CHECKLIST
REMEMBER
Try to finish early. Rushing into Shabbos can feel stressful. Aim to be done at least 30 minutes before candle lighting.
You do not need to be perfect. Aim for the basics: candles, food, the printed packet, and a calm home.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 3
NEXTStep 2 — Light Candles
PAGE 4STEP 02
Light Candles
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
It is almost Shabbos. Candle lighting is the mitzvah of women and girls — they bring Shabbos into the home with light.
Here’s how to light
- 01Make sure all preparations are complete.
- 02A woman or girl in the home lights the candles before 7:48 PM.
- 03Cover your eyes with both hands.
- 04Say the blessing.
- 05Take a quiet moment to pray for what you need.
- 06Uncover your eyes and welcome Shabbos.
REMEMBER
Lighting the Shabbos candles is the mitzvah of women and girls. If there is no woman or girl in the home, a man should light so the home enters Shabbos with candles. After lighting, Shabbos has begun for the person who lit.
Take your time with the words. Pause, breathe, and welcome Shabbos.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 4
NEXTStep 3 — Friday Night Prayer
PAGE 5STEP 03
Friday Night Prayer
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
Shabbos has started. The traditional next step is Friday night prayer (Kabbalas Shabbos and Maariv).
The traditional next step
- 01If possible, walk to a nearby Orthodox synagogue for Mincha, Kabbalas Shabbos, and Maariv.
- 02Arrive a few minutes early.
- 03Stand, sit, and follow the congregation. Answer Amen when comfortable.
- 04It is okay if you do not know every word.
- 05Wish people “Good Shabbos.”
- 06If you cannot go to shul, welcome Shabbos at home with a short Shabbos thought, Tehillim, or quiet personal prayer.
REMEMBER
Do not drive once Shabbos has begun. Walk, even if it takes longer.
Do not worry if you cannot follow everything. Stand, sit, listen, and answer Amen when comfortable.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 5
NEXTStep 4 — Kiddush & Friday Meal
PAGE 6STEP 04
Kiddush & Friday Meal
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
You are ready for the Friday night Shabbos meal.
Here’s how the meal begins
- 01Gather everyone around the table.
- 02Fill a cup with kosher wine or grape juice.
- 03Say the full Friday night Kiddush over the cup.
- 04After Kiddush, the person making Kiddush drinks from the cup, and others may drink as well according to custom.
- 05Wash hands ritually for challah (Netilas Yadayim) — do not speak between washing and Hamotzi.
- 06Say Hamotzi over two whole challahs (or two whole rolls if you don’t have challahs).
- 07Eat challah, then enjoy the meal.
- 08Sing zemiros if you know them, talk, share something good from the week.
AVOID
PhoneLights on/offCookingPhotosMoneyDriving
REMEMBER
Use two whole challahs or two whole rolls if possible. Talk, sing, share something you are grateful for. Keep weekday stress off the table.
Reading slowly from the transliteration is fine. Take your time.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 6
NEXTStep 5 — Rest Into Shabbos
PAGE 7STEP 05
Rest Into Shabbos
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
The Friday night meal is over. Now Shabbos continues in a slower, quieter way.
Good Shabbos options
- 01Talk with family or friends.
- 02Read something meaningful.
- 03Sing Shabbos songs (zemiros) if you know them.
- 04Take a short walk if appropriate.
- 05Go to sleep peacefully.
AVOID
PhoneTVComputerWorkDrivingLights on/off
REMEMBER
This is not empty time. It is part of Shabbos — being present without weekday noise.
The quiet may feel unusual at first. That is normal.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 7
NEXTStep 6 — Shabbos Morning
PAGE 8STEP 06
Shabbos Morning
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
It is Shabbos morning. The day begins differently than a weekday.
Shabbos morning options
- 01Walk to shul if possible.
- 02Follow along as best you can — stand, sit, and answer Amen.
- 03Listen to the Torah reading and any sermon.
- 04Wish people Good Shabbos.
- 05If at home: read the parsha summary and learn something about Shabbos.
REMEMBER
Do not drive or use your phone, even on the way to shul.
Showing up is the win. You don’t need to recite every prayer.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 8
NEXTStep 7 — Daytime Kiddush & Lunch
PAGE 9STEP 07
Daytime Kiddush & Lunch
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
It is time for the Shabbos day meal.
Here’s how lunch begins
- 01Gather around the table.
- 02Say daytime Kiddush over wine or grape juice.
- 03Wash for challah (Netilas Yadayim).
- 04Say Hamotzi over two whole challahs.
- 05Eat lunch and rest into the day.
REMEMBER
Food should be fully cooked before Shabbos. Food warming has details — if you are unsure, ask a qualified Orthodox rabbi before Shabbos. When in doubt, prepare foods that can be eaten cold or are already properly set up before Shabbos.
This meal is usually simpler than Friday night. Lean into it.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 9
NEXTStep 8 — Shabbos Afternoon
PAGE 10STEP 08
Shabbos Afternoon
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
It is Shabbos afternoon. This is the heart of Shabbos rest.
Ways to spend the afternoon
- 01Learn Torah or read a Jewish book.
- 02Take a walk in the neighborhood.
- 03Talk with family or friends.
- 04Take a Shabbos nap.
- 05Play simple non-electronic games (per your custom).
- 06Reflect quietly on the week.
REMEMBER
Do not start preparing for after Shabbos yet.
If you feel bored, that is normal. Shabbos teaches us how to slow down.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 10
NEXTStep 9 — Shalosh Seudos
PAGE 11STEP 10
Wait Until Nightfall
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOUR SHABBOS ENDS AT
8:53 PM
Saturday night, August 15, 2026 ·
YOU ARE HERE
Shabbos is almost over, but not over yet.
Until Shabbos ends
- 01Stay calm and present.
- 02Avoid phone, electronics, driving, money, cooking, or work.
- 03When Shabbos ends, say Baruch Hamavdil (below) before any weekday activity.
- 04Then prepare for Havdalah.
REMEMBER
Wait until the listed end time before returning to weekday activities. Many people add a few extra minutes to honor Shabbos.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 11
NEXTStep 11 — Havdalah
PAGE 12STEP 11
Havdalah
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
Shabbos has ended. Havdalah separates Shabbos from the weekday with wine, spices, and fire.
Here’s how to make Havdalah
- 01Fill a cup with kosher wine or grape juice (until it overflows slightly).
- 02Hold the cup and say the Havdalah blessings in order: wine, spices, fire, separation.
- 03Smell the spices when you reach the spices blessing.
- 04Look at the Havdalah flame, holding fingers up to the light.
- 05Drink most of the wine or grape juice after the closing blessing.
- 06Wish each other “Shavua tov” or “A gut voch.”
REMEMBER
For Havdalah you need kosher wine or grape juice, fragrant spices (besamim — cloves, cinnamon, or a spice box), and a multi-wick Havdalah candle.
Take your time. Havdalah is the bridge back into the week.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 12
NEXTStep 12 — What Comes Next
PAGE 13STEP 12
What Comes Next
Prepare
Candles
Prayer
Meal
Rest
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Shalosh
Wait
Havdalah
Next
YOU ARE HERE
You completed Shabbos 250.
Choose one next step
- 01Light candles next Friday.
- 02Join a Shabbos meal at a friend’s home.
- 03Keep your phone off for part of next Shabbos.
- 04Learn one Shabbos law each week.
- 05Visit an Orthodox shul.
- 06Speak to a rabbi.
- 07Invite someone for a Shabbos meal.
REMEMBER
Do not try to change everything at once. Choose one step and keep building.
Whether you kept every detail or took one real step — this Shabbos mattered.
SHABBOS 250 · PAGE 13
APPENDIX AAppendix A
Basic do / avoid
A short reference for what Orthodox Shabbos observance looks like. Doing part of Shabbos is better than doing none — start with the basics.
✓
Try to do
Prepare before Shabbos
Light candles
Make Kiddush
Eat Shabbos meals
Rest
Pray or sit quietly
Learn or read
Make Havdalah
✕
Avoid during Shabbos
Phone or texting
Driving
Cooking new food
Money/wallet
Writing
Electronics
Work or business
Shopping
Carrying outside without an eruv
SHABBOS 250 · APPENDIX A
APPENDIX BAppendix B
Blessings index
Hebrew, transliteration, and English for the blessings you'll use across Shabbos.
CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֺתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת.
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to light the candles of Shabbos.
FRIDAY NIGHT KIDDUSH — OVER WINE
וַיְהִי עֶרֶב וַיְהִי בֹקֶר יוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי. וַיְכֻלּוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם וְהָאָרֶץ וְכָל צְבָאָם. וַיְכַל אֱלֹהִים בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי מְלַאכְתּוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה, וַיִּשְׁבֹּת בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי מִכָּל מְלַאכְתּוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה. וַיְבָרֶךְ אֱלֹהִים אֶת יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי וַיְקַדֵּשׁ אוֹתוֹ, כִּי בוֹ שָׁבַת מִכָּל מְלַאכְתּוֹ אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים לַעֲשׂוֹת.
סַבְרִי מָרָנָן: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֺתָיו וְרָצָה בָנוּ, וְשַׁבַּת קָדְשׁוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן הִנְחִילָנוּ, זִכָּרוֹן לְמַעֲשֵׂה בְרֵאשִׁית. כִּי הוּא יוֹם תְּחִלָּה לְמִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ, זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָיִם. כִּי בָנוּ בָחַרְתָּ וְאוֹתָנוּ קִדַּשְׁתָּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים, וְשַׁבַּת קָדְשְׁךָ בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן הִנְחַלְתָּנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳, מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת.
Vay'hi erev vay'hi voker yom hashishi. Vay'chulu hashamayim v'ha'aretz v'chol tzva'am. Vay'chal Elohim bayom hash'vi'i m'lachto asher asah, vayishbot bayom hash'vi'i mikol m'lachto asher asah. Vay'varech Elohim et yom hash'vi'i vay'kadeish oto, ki vo shavat mikol m'lachto asher bara Elohim la'asot.
Savri maranan: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p'ri hagafen.
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'ratzah vanu, v'Shabbat kodsho b'ahavah uv'ratzon hinchilanu, zikaron l'ma'aseih v'reishit. Ki hu yom t'chilah l'mikra'ei kodesh, zecher litziyat Mitzrayim. Ki vanu vacharta v'otanu kidashta mikol ha'amim, v'Shabbat kodshecha b'ahavah uv'ratzon hinchaltanu. Baruch atah Adonai, m'kadeish haShabbat.
And it was evening and it was morning, the sixth day. The heavens and the earth were finished, and all their array. By the seventh day God had completed His work, and on the seventh day He rested from all His work. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, for on it He rested from all His work which He had created to do.
With your permission: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and was pleased with us, and gave us, in love and favor, His holy Shabbos as a heritage — a remembrance of creation. It is the first of the holy days, a remembrance of the exodus from Egypt. For You chose us and sanctified us from among the nations, and gave us Your holy Shabbos in love and favor. Blessed are You, Lord, who sanctifies the Shabbos.
NETILAS YADAYIM — WASHING FOR BREAD
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֺתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדָיִם.
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu al netilas yadayim.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.
HAMOTZI — OVER CHALLAH
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ.
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, ha-motzi lechem min ha-aretz.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
DAYTIME KIDDUSH — OVER WINE
עַל כֵּן בֵּרַךְ ה׳ אֶת יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת וַיְקַדְּשֵׁהוּ.
סַבְרִי מָרָנָן: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.
Al kein beirach Adonai et yom haShabbat vay'kad'sheihu.
Savri maranan: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p'ri hagafen.
Therefore the Lord blessed the Shabbos day and made it holy.
With your permission: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
BARUCH HAMAVDIL
בָּרוּךְ הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קֹדֶשׁ לְחֹל.
Baruch ha-mavdil bein kodesh l'chol.
Blessed is the One who separates between the holy and the ordinary.
HAVDALAH — THE FOUR BLESSINGS IN ORDER
עַל הַיַּיִן — בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.
עַל הַבְּשָׂמִים — בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִים.
עַל הָאֵשׁ — בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מְאוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ.
בִּרְכַּת הַהַבְדָּלָה — בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קֹדֶשׁ לְחֹל, בֵּין אוֹר לְחֹשֶׁךְ, בֵּין יִשְׂרָאֵל לָעַמִּים, בֵּין יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי לְשֵׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַמַּעֲשֶׂה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳, הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קֹדֶשׁ לְחֹל.
Over the wine — Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p'ri hagafen.
Over the spices — Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei minei v'samim.
Over the fire — Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei m'orei ha-eish.
The Havdalah blessing — Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, ha-mavdil bein kodesh l'chol, bein or l'choshech, bein Yisrael la'amim, bein yom hash'vi'i l'sheishet y'mei hama'aseh. Baruch atah Adonai, ha-mavdil bein kodesh l'chol.
Over the wine — Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
Over the spices — Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of varieties of spices.
Over the fire — Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the lights of fire.
The Havdalah blessing — Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who separates between holy and ordinary, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of work. Blessed are You, Lord, who separates between holy and ordinary.
SHABBOS 250 · APPENDIX B
APPENDIX CAppendix C
If you make a mistake — and a safety note
REMEMBER
If you accidentally did something you didn't realize was a Shabbos issue — for example, checked your phone or turned on a light — pause, breathe, and continue from where you are. Shabbos 250 is meant to be a calm, beginner-friendly experience. Doing part of Shabbos is better than doing none.
For specific halachic questions, contact a qualified Orthodox rabbi. The Find Help page at Shabbos250.com can connect you with a rabbi or shul.
HEALTH & SAFETY
In any health or safety situation — for yourself or anyone else — preserving life and safety always comes first. Call for help, take medication, drive to the hospital, do whatever is needed. Shabbos can wait.
This guide is for general educational purposes. For personal halachic questions, contact a qualified Orthodox rabbi.
SHABBOS 250 · APPENDIX C
APPENDIX DAppendix D
What to do without a phone
For 25 hours, your phone stays off. A few ways to fill the time well:
• Read — a Jewish book, a novel, the parsha summary.
• Talk — with family, with a friend, with someone you usually only text.
• Walk — outside, in the neighborhood, with no destination.
• Sleep — naps are a Shabbos tradition.
• Sing — at the table, alone, with kids.
• Sit — in silence, watching the light change.
The quiet may feel unusual at first. That is normal. Shabbos is teaching you a different rhythm.
SHABBOS 250 · APPENDIX D
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