Hebrew words about Shabbat

A list of typical terms for the Jewish 7th day of the week

Shabbat (שַׁבָּת): Shabbat is our special day of rest, beginning Friday evening and lasting until Saturday evening. On this day, we do no work but spend time with our family. Shabbat is like a gift that brings us rest and joy every week.

Ner (נֵר) : Shabbat candles shine particularly beautifully and are lit by our mothers on Friday evenings. They bring light and warmth into our homes. With these candles, we welcome the holy Shabbat.

Challah (חַלָּה) : Challah is a particularly delicious, braided bread that we eat on Shabbat. It looks like a beautiful braid and tastes sweet and soft. We recite a special blessing over the challah.

Kiddush (קִדּוּשׁ) : The Kiddush is a blessing we recite over wine or grape juice. This makes Shabbat special. After the Kiddush, everyone is allowed to take a sip.

Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) : Shalom means "peace" and is our greeting. We say it when greeting and saying goodbye. With Shalom, we wish each other peace and all the best.

Menucha (מְנוּחָה) : Menucha means that we can rest and relax. On Shabbat, we have menucha—no school, no work, just time to play and relax. It's like a little vacation every week.

Bracha (בְּרָכָה) : A bracha is a blessing or good wish. We say brachot (plural) over food, before bedtime, or when something nice happens. A bracha is like a small thank you to the Lord.

Mishpacha (מִשְׁפָּחָה) : The Mishpacha is our family—mom, dad, siblings, grandma, and grandpa. We celebrate Shabbat together with our Mishpacha.

Shulchan (שֻׁלְחָן) : The Shulchan is our table where we eat together. On Shabbat, it is set especially beautifully with a white tablecloth, candles, and challah. The whole family gathers at Shulchan.

Yayin (יַיִן) : Yayin is the wine (or grape juice for children) over which we celebrate Kiddush. It is kept in a special cup on the table. The Yayin makes Shabbat festive and special.

Tfilah (תְּפִלָּה) : The Tfilah is our prayer, with which we can speak to the Lord. The Siddur (prayer book) helps us pray and understand the correct Tfilah (plural for Tfilah). A Tfilah can be long or short.

Shir (שִׁיר) : A shir is a song that we can sing together. At the Shabbat table, we sing many joyful shirim (plural) with the whole family. Singing makes us happy and brings joy to our home.

Seuda (סְעוּדָה) : The seuda is a special meal that we eat together on Shabbat. On Shabbat, we have three seuda (plural): Friday evening, Saturday lunch, and a short seuda in the late afternoon. During the seuda, we eat delicious food and spend time together.

Havdalah (הַבְדָלָה) : Havdalah is a beautiful ceremony with which we bid farewell to Shabbat on Saturday evening. We light a woven candle, smell spices, and drink from a special cup. Havdalah helps us end Shabbat beautifully.

Or (אוֹר) : Or means light, like the light of Shabbat candles or the sun. Or brings brightness and warmth into our lives. When we light Shabbat candles, we bring Or into our home.

Shabbat Shalom (שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם) : "Shabbat Shalom" is what we say as a greeting on Shabbat. It means that we wish each other a peaceful and pleasant Shabbat. We say these words with a smile to everyone we meet.

Ima (אִמָּא) : Ima is the Hebrew word for mother. Our Ima lights the Shabbat candles and makes our home beautiful and cozy. Ima gives us love and security.

Abba (אַבָּא) : Abba is the Hebrew word for father. Our Abba recites the Kiddush at the Shabbat table and blesses the children. Abba shows us how to speak to Hashem.

Beit Knesset (בֵּית כְּנֶסֶת) : The Beit Knesset is our synagogue. Here we gather to pray, learn, and celebrate. In the Beit Knesset, we meet other families and our friends.

Simcha (שִׂמְחָה) : Simcha means joy and happiness. Shabbat is a time of simcha, when we are happy and rejoice. A simcha can also be a special celebration, such as a wedding or bar mitzvah.

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