Are you a parent who’s been scratching your head, wondering “What to do on Shabbat with kids?” Are you on the hunt for some awesome Shabbat activities for toddlers and Shabbat activities for preschoolers? Well, you’re in luck! Celebrating Shabbat with little ones can be a whole lot of fun, and it’s a wonderful way to bond as a family and create special memories. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to Shabbat celebrations, here are the steps to take to make the most of your time together.
Set the Stage
Alright, let’s get this Shabbat party started! The first step in celebrating Shabbat with toddlers is setting the stage. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “cleaning the house? With toddlers around?” Trust me, I get it. But hear me out. By involving your little ones in the preparations, you’re setting the tone for the rest of the weekend. You’re showing them that this is a special time, and you’re creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. This getting ready for Shabbat song might help too!
Explain to your toddlers that Shabbat is a special day of rest
Now, let’s talk about how to explain Shabbat to your little ones. Depending on their age, you can use different approaches. For toddlers, keep it simple. You can say something like “Shabbat is a special day when we take a break from our routine and spend time with each other.” For preschoolers, you can go a bit deeper and explain that Shabbat is a day of rest that’s been observed by Jewish people for thousands of years. You can talk about how it’s a time to appreciate the good things in our lives and be thankful for what we have.
Start preparing for Shabbat in advance by cleaning the house, preparing food, and setting the table with special Shabbat items like candles, Kiddush cup, and challah bread.
Alright, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of Shabbat preparations. First up, cleaning the house. Now, I’m not saying you need to do a deep clean (unless you want to, of course!). But tidying up a bit and making the space feel cozy and inviting can go a long way. Next, food. Shabbat meals are traditionally festive, so think about what dishes your family loves and what feels special. And of course, you can’t forget the challah bread! Finally, setting the table with special Shabbat items like candles and a Kiddush cup can elevate the experience.
Invite friends and family to join you if possible.
Last but not least, consider inviting friends and family to join you for your Shabbat celebration. Not only does this create a sense of community, but it also takes some of the pressure off of you as the host. Plus, kids love having extra people to play with! If you can’t invite people over in person, consider setting up a virtual Shabbat celebration with loved ones who live far away.
Welcome Shabbat
Alright, folks, it’s time to welcome Shabbat! This is where the real magic happens. Here are some fun ways to get your toddlers involved in the celebration:
Light the Shabbat candles with your toddlers, and say the blessing together.
Lighting the Shabbat candles is a beautiful way to usher in the Shabbat. And guess what? Your toddlers can help! Give them a match (under close supervision, of course) and let them help you light the candles. Then say the blessing together as a family. Not only is this a meaningful ritual, but it’s also a great opportunity to practice your toddler’s fine motor skills! “Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel shabbat”.
Sing the traditional Shabbat songs
Singing is a fantastic way to engage your little ones in the Shabbat celebration. Traditional Shabbat songs like “Shalom Aleichem” and “Lecha Dodi” are easy to learn and are great for getting everyone in a festive mood. Don’t worry if you’re not the world’s greatest singer – your toddlers certainly won’t mind!
Explain the significance of each ritual as you go along.
As you light the candles, sing the songs, and perform other Shabbat rituals, take a moment to explain the significance of each one to your little ones. For example, you can explain that lighting the candles represents the warmth and light of Shabbat while singing traditional songs is a way to welcome the Sabbath bride. By explaining the rituals in an age-appropriate way, you’re helping your toddlers develop a deeper understanding of the holiday and its traditions.
Share a Shabbat Meal
By now, your little ones are probably getting hungry. It’s time to sit down and enjoy a festive Shabbat meal together! Here are some tips to make the meal extra special:
Sit down with your toddlers and enjoy a festive Shabbat meal together.
Make sure everyone is seated comfortably and has their napkins ready. Shabbat meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly, so take your time and savor each bite. Encourage your toddlers to try new foods and experiment with different flavors.
Blessings over bread and wine (or grape juice).
Saying blessings over bread and wine is an important part of the Shabbat meal. Encourage your toddlers to participate by reciting the blessings with you. You can even make it a game by having them repeat the words after you, one by one. Not only is this a fun activity, but it also helps reinforce the importance of gratitude and blessings.
Share stories and talk about what you are grateful for during the week.
The Shabbat meal is a great time to reflect on the week that has passed and think about all the things you are grateful for. Share stories with your little ones about things that happened during the week that made you happy, or talk about something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming week. Encourage your toddlers to share their own stories and express gratitude for the things they appreciate in their lives.
Play and Relax
After a delicious meal, it’s time to kick back and relax. Shabbat is all about taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, so it’s important to take some time to just enjoy the day with your little ones. Here are some ideas for how to spend the rest of the afternoon:
Spend time playing or engaging in activities like reading books, playing games, or taking a walk.
Get down on the floor and play with your little ones. Build a tower out of blocks or play a game of hide and seek. Or, if you’re feeling more mellow, curl up on the couch and read books together. Taking a walk in nature is also a great way to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
Avoid engaging in any activities that feel like work, such as cooking or cleaning.
Remember, Shabbat is a day of rest. That means no cooking, cleaning, or other household chores. Avoid anything that feels like work, and instead, focus on enjoying the day with your family. If possible, try to do any necessary prep work for the meal beforehand so that you don’t have to do anything on Shabbat itself.
Encourage your toddlers to rest and enjoy the peacefulness of Shabbat.
Shabbat is a special time to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Encourage your little ones to rest and recharge by taking a nap or engaging in quiet activities like boardgames or cards. This is a great opportunity to model the importance of self-care and relaxation.
Say Goodbye to Shabbat
Congratulations! You and your toddlers have successfully celebrated Shabbat together. Saying goodbye to Shabbat can be a bittersweet moment, but it’s important to end the day with a sense of closure and intentionality. Here are some steps to follow:
Make Havdalah together
Havdalah marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week. Light a special braided candle with multiple wicks and hold it up to see the interplay of light and shadow. Smell the spices, like cloves or cinnamon, which represent the sweetness and spice of life. Sip a cup of wine or grape juice, acknowledging the blessings of the past week and the opportunities of the coming one.
Talk to your toddlers about how you will carry the restfulness and joy of Shabbat with you into the new week, and how you can continue to practice gratitude and intentionality in your everyday lives.
