The "Idiots Guide" to observing a traditional Shabbat.

Reviewed by Bev Hoffman, 2006-06-29

I bought this book because of the author's approach of putting all prayers on their own page: each prayer or song is printed in the original Hebrew and transliteration version, and also has the English translation. (A suggestion for the next edition is to have the transliteration NEXT TO the original Hebrew, rather than separated by the English translation)

This book serves as an excellent guide for those who have never observed a traditional Shabbat, and who wish to start doing so now. The book clearly gives the order of the "Shabbat Evening Seder", from lighting candles, traditional blessings for family members, blessings over wine and bread, traditional around the table Sabbath songs, the "Birkat HaMazon" (full and abbreviated versions of the blessing after a meal), and "Havadalah" (the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the normal week). In addition, it has a section where it discusses the meaning and tradition behind the prayers.

We entertain people from different backgrounds, including orthdox, traditional and secular Jews, and on occasion, people from other faiths. This book allows everyone present at our Shabbat evening meal to follow, understand and participate in our Shabbat dinner.

My only criticism is that the section covering the actual prayers and "zmirot" (songs) does not go from right to left (i.e. following the Hebrew rather than English direction of pages.) The explanation section can remain in the left to right direction. My suggestion is that all Hebrew sections start at the right-hand cover, while discussions, explanations and history start at the left-hand cover - giving a 2-part book.

Great Shabbat primer -- and more

Reviewed by Meirav, 2004-04-28

This book is both a primer on how to introduce Shabbat in your home if you haven't been observing and remembering it, and a look at how others have incorporated the traditions in their homes and chavurot. It covers every aspect of the Shabbat: lighting the candles, kiddush, washing the hands, challot, blessing the family, songs, right on through havdalah. It covers halachah for each aspect, how to maintain the interest and attention of your children and how to deal with modern realities such as divorce and mixed families. It has English, Hebrew transliteration and Hebrew for each blessing and for some Shabbat songs.

I highly recommend it.