Shabbat with Kids.

Celebrating Shabbat as a family is an opportunity to share the joy of the weekend with your kids, and experience the magic of Shabbat anew through their eyes. Take a moment to slow down and be together, and revel in the sights, sounds, and tastes that make Friday night so special.

Shabbat, much like yoga or meditation for some, is an act of rebellion against a constantly moving world. We bring ritual to the table not because we have to, but because disconnecting in order to intentionally connect, separate from the work week, and build community is holy – and really good for you.

The Shabbat Blessings

Overhead photo of a white tiled table with a red chair at the left end, a book titled "Shabbat Light" sits on the table next to a loaf of challah on a white platter. Two young boys stand at the table while a pair of feminine looking hands helps one boy light a Shabbat candle and a masculine-looking figure stands behind the younger boy on the right

PJ Library

PJ Library sends free Jewish children’s books to families across the world every month. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help your family talk together about values and traditions (like Shabbat!) that are important to you.

Photo shows a man wearing a blue and black plaid button down shirt with khaki pants, along with a red superhero cape and blue eye mask, smiling and holding one hand in a fist, holding hands with a young boy who is wearing a red and blue plaid shirt and also wearing a red cape and blue eye mask

JewBelong Shabbat Skits

A group of time travelers goes way, way, way, waaaay back… to the first Shabbat ever, and a family that, face it, most of us can relate to, learns a little about why it’s actually kind of awesome to celebrate Shabbat…

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Screenshot of Youtube thumbnail with a cartoon grandpa with gray hair, glasses and an indigo sweater with white text next to the cartoon reading "Grandpa Plony", two young boys and a woman all cover their eyes with their hands while sitting at a table in front of white, lit Shabbat candles

BimBam Shabbat 101 Video

Shabbat (the Jewish Shabbath) is a weekly 25-hour observance that begins just before sundown each Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. Shabbat is a dedicated time each week to stop working and focus more on the pleasures of life. Watch this video to learn more about why and how Jews observe Shabbat.

A young child wearing a light brown sweater sits at a table while holding an orange marker, drawing a rainbow

My Jewish Learning for Families

Preparing for and celebrating Shabbat can be a daunting proposition, and if you have children, the prospect of celebrating Shabbat (meant to be joyous and relaxing) for even one hour, let alone 25, can seem preposterous. But this day-long marathon can be packed with marvelous family traditions and special opportunities for fun. Try some of these tips to make Shabbat a truly special day for your family.

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18Doors: Shabbat with Kids Cheat Sheet

Photo shows a young boy and girl standing at a wooden table, watching a man stir a steaming silver pot while he smiles. Other ingredients on the table include portions of a cantaloupe, a head of broccoli, rolls of bread, and red peppers

If you’re new to Judaism or looking to learn how to share more Jewish practices with your family, Shabbat is a great place to start. Shabbat offers time for much needed perspective after a busy week, a spiritual day that feels different than every other day. There are infinite ways to celebrate this weekly holiday and just as many reasons to create this safe, easy space in the life of your family.

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