Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Erev Shabbat Service in the Home (one example)
Candle lighting times are available on most Jewish calendars.
Where there is a family; a man, woman, and children, there are various roles that I will identify. In homes where there is only one person, individuals may recite all of the liturgy.
The Shabbat table should be set with two candles, a glass of wine or grape juice, and two loaves of challah. The loaves should be covered and be whole. We also have the bowl for the washing of the hands that represents cleansing the hands (and mind) before conducting the service, separating it from the rest of the week.
The man or other person bringing in Shabbat washes the hands and recites the blessing found on page 122 of the Messianic Shabbat Siddur.
Man if available: Yahshua spoke to His disciples and said “Whoever continues to follow Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light which gives life (John 8:12).
Behold, two candlesticks: one for Ephraim and one for Judah.
One for Heaven and one for Earth; one for the King and one for His servants.
One candle stands for the Tanakh (Old Testament), and one for the B’rit Chadashah (Renewed refreshed, Covenant).
One is for faith and one is for holy deeds; one for work and one for rest.
Father, we now put aside all our cares and turn our hearts to You, as we enter into your Shabbat rest that you have ordained for our good. Truly this is the day that You have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Light the candles: (Woman if available)
Recite the Candle lighting prayer on page 6 of the Messianic Shabbat Siddur
Blessing over the bread: (Father or man if available) (Uncover the loaves)
Yahshua said “I am the bread that gives life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever puts their trust in Me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam, hamotzi lechem min ha aretz, Lechem Chaim b’Yahshua. Amein.
Blessed are You, O L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who blesses us with bread, the Bread of Life, Yahshua.
Blessing over the wine:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam, borei p’ri ha agaphen. Amein.
Blessed are You, O L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who gives us the fruit of the vine.
Father/Husband/Man if available recites:
The two loaves represent Judah/Israel and Ephraim Israel
On the night before He was executed, Yahshua broke the bread (one from each loaf) and joined them (the two pieces) together, united as one, a sop, under the kippur/covering of Yahshua’s blood. (the woman if available holds a cup under the man’s hand as he pours the wine over the two pieces of bread immediately before he eats it after he makes this statement. He then drinks the wine in the glass handed to him by the woman).
Blessing over the Children
Over the sons the Father places his hand on their heads and recites:
Y’simchah Elohim k’Ephraim, v’chee Menasheh
May G-d make you a symbol of blessing as He did Ephraim and Manasseh
Over the daughters the mother places her hand on their heads and prays:
Y’simech Elohim k’Sarah, Rivkah, Rakel, v’Leah
May G-d make you a symbol of blessing as He did Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah.
The person or family may then chant one or more of the Shabbat chants/ songs. The man may chant the Ayshet Chayeel (Woman of Valor) to honor the woman of the house.
The woman may recite Psalm 112:1-9 in honor of the man.
There is often a Shabbat dinner whereby someone is invited to share Shabbat with another person or family. This is a very special time and it is wonderful to share with others.
This format may be modified to meet individual/family needs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Tamah Davis