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The following presentation of “Shabbat at a Glance” is a walk through of the Shabbat experience. It was prepared as a primer for those unfamiliar with all the details of its observances.
Shabbat at a Glance:
    Today it is common for one to accept an invitation to spend and experience a Shabbat with an observant family. You are certain there will be delicious food; however you may be a bit apprehensive because you may not be cognizant of what is permitted and what is forbidden.
    When you arrive at your host Friday afternoon, you will be overcome by a waft of delicious food that envelops the home. You may now experience the most difficult part of your Shabbat stay….having to wait to eat the meal until services are over.
    As you are being ushered to where you will be sleeping you take a quick glance at the beautifully and elegantly set Shabbat table.
    Lights are not turned on or off on Shabbos, therefore when you are getting settled in, you may wonder how you are going to find your belongings before you go to sleep later at night. As you are scanning the room you might see either a night light or a lamp that has a time clock that you can set to go on or off when you please. There may be a closet light or hall light that can light the room as well.
    With that settled, your focus then goes to the bathroom….yes, you may use tissues from the box and flush. When you are washing, bar soap and running hot water is prohibited, however you may use cold water and liquid soap. What about brushing teeth? You’ll have to opt for mouthwash to take care of morning breath! Showers, shaving and application of makeup will wait until after Shabbat. The use of deodorant or perfume is permitted.
    You dress in your finest and make sure that you are not carrying a wallet, money, change, check book, cell phone etc. and emerge from your room. The men leave for Shul - since it is not Shabbos yet, you may even ride in a car. The ladies remain at home.
    Before you leave you decide to show your hosts that you know more than they think you know about Shabbat and ask them or one their children, is there an Airuv? If they say yes, then you will be able to carry outdoors, either in your hand or pocket, items permissible to be used on Shabbos such as tissues and pills. If they say there is no Airuv, then you’ll know that nothing is to be carried outdoors on the Shabbat. You may notice that where keys cannot be carried many doors have combination locks.
    The lady of the house then prepares to light the Shabbat candles. There may be two or several candles in the candelabra. She will first light the candles and then “wave in” the Shabbos with her hands and recite the blessing. She will usually continue standing in front of the flames reciting prayers on behalf of her family. You may be asked if you want to light your own candles. Go for it! Your host will assist you if you need direction.
    The transformation to the Holy day of Shabbos is tangible!
    At synagogue, a relatively short Mincha – afternoon – service is recited. The Synagogue should have an English translated Siddur – prayer book – such as the Artscroll complete Siddur that helps guide the novice.
     Kabalas Shabbat – welcoming the Shabbat service – consists of the recitation of several Psalms and then a melodious chant of a ten stanza poem.
    Maariv – evening service – is then recited. After the service handshakes accompanied by the greeting of Good Shabbos or Shabbat Shalom are exchanged by the congregants. The men return from Shul.in approximately an hour’s time.
    Eventually everyone assembles at the table and preliminary songs will be sung such as ‘Shalom Alichem,’ and “Aishes Chayil – a woman of valor.” A ‘Bencher’ – a song book – may be placed at your setting and someone will show you the place. Hum along.
     Kiddush over wine or grape juice will be recited by the man of the house. The Kiddush begins while all are standing. Just follow the lead as to when they sit down. All you have to do is respond Amain after the two blessings. At the conclusion of Kiddush each person will receive some wine in a cup.
     At some point after this, everyone will rise and go to the sink and wash their hands before eating bread or Challa. Hands are washed with a cup. The cup is filled and two dashes of water are poured over the entire right hand and the same is done to the left hand. While drying your hands you will recite the blessing ‘Al Netilas Yadayim” Someone will help you with the blessing if need be.

    As you are returning to your seat at the table, you will not hear any conversation from those who have already washed. You may hear sounds like, Uh! accompanied by pointing a finger to get someone’s attention. Two loaves of Challah emerge from under a covering and a mark will be made on top of the Challah that will be cut with a knife. The man of the house will make the Hamotzie blessing to which all will respond Amain. After the Challah is cut, dipped in salt and tasted, talking resumes.
    During the meal open conversations on all topics will be discussed, traditional songs will be sung and an insight on the weekly Parsha will be said. Feel free to ask for clarification. If there are young children, often they will be asked questions on the Portion of the Week from a list that they brought home with them from school.—Enjoy the many delicacies served!
    If you offer to help in the kitchen or to serve, you’ll notice that everything that has to be heated or cooked, has already been on the stove or in the oven. The stovetop will be covered by a thin metal sheet. This serves to conceal the flame so that it is not highered or lowered on Shabbos and serves other functions as well. You’ll also become aware of the many guidelines concerning the preparation of food on Shabbos. For example there is no active cooking, baking etc. There is no grinding, kneading and certain forms of