Shabbat Blessings

Download and print a Reference Guide (PDF) from the Larchmont Temple. This can be used as a guide for following Shabbat rituals at home.

Hadlakat Neirot: The Blessing Over the Shabbat Candles

Kindle the Shabbat candles (typically 2 candles), and chant or recite: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir shel Shabbat. We praise you, Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, who makes us holy with mitzvot and commands us to kindle the Sabbath lights.

Kiddush: The Blessing Over the Wine

Lift the cup(s) of wine or juice and say: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, borei p'ri hagafen. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. Also following is the usual, longer form of the Kiddush, chanted at Erev Shabbat (Friday night) services:

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Haolam, borei p'ri hagafen. Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'ratzah vanu ,v'Shabbat kodsho b'ahavah uv'ratzon hinchilanu, zikaron l'maaseih v'reishit. Ki hu yom t'chilah l'mikra-ei kodesh,zecher litziat Mitzrayim. Ki vanu vacharta, v'otanu kidashta, mikol haamim. V'Shabbat kodsh'cha  b'ahavah uv'ratzon hinchaltanu. Baruch atah, Adonai, m'kadeish HaShabbat. Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe,Creator of the fruit of the vine. Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe who finding favor with us, sanctified us with mitzvot.In love and favor, You made the holy Shabat our heritage as a reminder of the work of Creation. As first among our sacred days, it recalls the Exodus from Egypt. You chose us and set us apart from the peoples. In love and favor You have given us Your holy Shabbat as an inheritance. Drink the wine or juice.

 Hamotzi: The Blessing Over the Bread

Uncover the challah and say: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe,who brings forth bread from the earth. Cut or break off pieces of challah for each family member to eat.