A Simple Guide for Oberving Shabbat
There are many opinions on this subject, but the most important is that YAH is honoured
Meal planning is an essential part of Shabbat preparation, ensuring that all the necessary ingredients and dishes are ready for the special day. This includes making ahead and simplifying meals to stop cooking and cleaning on the Shabbat itself.
The Shabbat starts from sundown on day 6 (friday) evening. According to Vayiqra 23:32, days begin and end at sundown. Therefore, Shabbat officially begins at sundown on day 6 (friday) and continues until saturday evening. Continuation until saturday evening: Shabbat is observed for a full 24-hour period, ending at sundown on saturday evening. This duration allows for a day of rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
It has become tradition in many Messianic circles to blow the shofar just before sunset, in order to announce the onset of Shabbat. Lighting candles is not mentioned in Scripture, but the tradition holds great importance. Preferably only one candle should be lit. This responsibility is usually given to the woman of the house, who lights a candle at the start of Shabbat, just before the sun goes down. The woman will bless YAH after lighting the candle to acknowledges YAH’s Presence and Yeshua as the light of the world. This act of lighting a candle is a symbolic representation of bringing light into the world and setting aside this sacred time for rest and worship. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of Shabbat and the divine presence during this set-apart time.
The husband is now to bless the wife, usually with the words from Mishlei 31:10-22 or similar; it could also be a shorter version. After this, the wife will bless the husband, which could be all the words in Mizmor 1 or Mizmor 112:1-3. It is a custom to bless the children as well. Even when they are not always present. This custom holds great Scriptural significance. Different blessings are said for boys and girls. This reflects the unique roles and blessings associated with each gender. The father usually says these blessings, symbolising his role as the spiritual leader of the family. The blessing for boys is based on B'reisheet 48:20, where Ya'aqov blesses Efrayim and M’nasheh, the sons of Yosef. The blessing for girls mentions biblical women like Sarah, Rivqah, Rachel, and Le’ah, highlighting their virtues and qualities. This tradition not only imparts blessings upon the children but also fosters a sense of spiritual connection and continuity within the family.
The Messianic Shabbat is continued by reciting the Aharonic blessing over family and friends. This blessing is found in B’midbar 6:24-26 and is a powerful invocation of YAH’s favour and protection. From the meticulous preparations to the blessings bestowed upon the family, each practice holds deep significance and meaning. The Messianic Shabbat is truly a time to cherish the bonds of family and faith and to bask in the beauty and sanctity of this sacred day.
Taking it further, the Shabbat is not only for the Jews. YAH gave the Shabbat for mankind, as the fourth commandment and as a blessing. It is the day when we stop our work, and our things, and when we spend quality time with our Creator. Reading Scripture, attending a Shabbat gathering, walking in nature, and helping those in need from our community is a great way to spend the Shabbat.
(adapted from information from https://Shabbatfacts.org/messianic-Shabbat-rules/)
Erev Shabbat: day 6 (friday) 4 july / dag 6 (vrydag) 4 julie 2025
All times indicated are SAST / Alle tye word aangedui volgens SAST
18:00: Home Worship 197 with James Block/G Steven Simons
Repeated tomorrow (Shabbat) at 11:50
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