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How do Jewish households observe the beginning of the Sabbath?
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Judaism
The Western Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem, all that remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount.
In Jewish households, the Sabbath begins on Friday evening, approximately 20 minutes before sunset. The observance typically follows these steps:12
- Kindling the Candles: The woman of the house, or the husband in her absence, lights the Sabbath candles and pronounces a benediction to usher in the day.123
- Kiddush: After the evening service, the household begins the first of three festive meals by reciting the Kiddush—a prayer of sanctification—over a cup of wine.412
- Breaking Bread: Following the Kiddush, there is a ritual washing of the hands. Two loaves of challah are placed on the table, covered by a cloth to represent the dew that collected on the manna in the wilderness. The bread is blessed with the Hamotzi, uncovered, and shared among family members to commemorate the double portion of manna provided to the Israelites.4132
Following the meal, the remainder of the evening is traditionally devoted to relaxation or study.12