Editing Shabbat (section)

===Welcoming Shabbat===
[[File:GOOD SHABBES -.jpg|thumb|upright|Jewish woman reciting blessing over [[Shabbat candles]]]]

Honoring Shabbat (''kavod Shabbat'') on Preparation Day (Friday) includes bathing, having a haircut and cleaning and beautifying the home (with flowers, for example).
Days in the Jewish calendar start at nightfall, therefore many [[Jewish holidays]] begin at [[Zmanim|such time]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moss|first1=Aron|title=Why do Jewish holidays begin at nightfall?|url=https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/160961/jewish/Why-do-Jewish-holidays-begin-at-nightfall.htm|website=Chabad.org|access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref> According to Jewish law, Shabbat starts a few minutes before sunset. Candles are lit at this time. It is customary in many communities to light the candles 18 minutes before sundown (''tosefet Shabbat'', although sometimes 36 minutes), and most printed Jewish calendars adhere to this custom.

The [[Jewish prayer#Friday night|Kabbalat Shabbat]] service is a prayer service welcoming the arrival of Shabbat. Before Friday night dinner, it is customary to sing two songs, one "greeting" two Shabbat angels into the house<ref>Shabbat 119b</ref> ([[Shalom Aleichem (liturgy)|"''Shalom Aleichem''"]] -"Peace Be Upon You") and the other praising the woman of the house for all the work she has done over the past week ([[Proverbs 31#The good wife (31:10–31)|"''Eshet Ḥayil''"]] -"Woman Of Valour").<ref>{{bibleverse|Proverbs|31:10–31|HE}}</ref> After blessings over the wine and [[challah]], a festive meal is served. Singing is traditional at Sabbath meals.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ferguson|first1=Joey|title=Jewish lecture series focuses on Sabbath Course at Chabad center focuses on secrets of sabbath's serenity|url=https://www.deseret.com/2011/5/20/20193051/jewish-lecture-series-focuses-on-sabbath/|agency=Deseret News|date=May 20, 2011|quote=The more we are able to invest in it, the more we are able to derive pleasure from the Sabbath." Jewish belief is based on understanding that observance of the Sabbath is the source of all blessing, said Rabbi Zippel in an interview.  He referred to the Jewish Sabbath as a time where individuals disconnect themselves from all endeavors that enslave them throughout the week and compared the day to pressing a reset button on a machine. A welcome prayer over wine or grape juice from the men and candle lighting from the women invokes the Jewish Sabbath on Friday at sundown.}}</ref> In modern times, many composers have written sacred music for use during the Kabbalat Shabbat observance, including [[Robert Strassburg]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milkenarchive.org/artists/view/robert-strassburg/|title=Strassburg, Robert|website=Milken Archive of Jewish Music|access-date=8 October 2017}}</ref> and [[Samuel Adler (composer)|Samuel Adler]].<ref name="Milken Archive of Jewish Music">{{cite web|title=Milken Archive of Jewish Music – People – Samuel Adler|url=http://www.milkenarchive.org/people/view/all/482/Adler,+Samuel|access-date=2 August 2015}}</ref>

According to [[rabbinic literature]], God via the Torah commands Jews to ''observe'' (refrain from forbidden activity) and ''remember'' (with words, thoughts, and actions) Shabbat, and these two actions are symbolized by the customary two [[Shabbat candles]]. Candles are lit usually by the woman of the house (or else by a man who lives alone). Some families light more candles, sometimes in accordance with the number of children.<ref>[[Shulchan Aruch]], [[Orach Chaim]] 261.</ref>