Shabbat!

It had been a long few weeks off from Sunday school between columbus day, a teacher conference and I missed a week due to a family commitment. I'm so happy to be reunited with the students, their presence is always up-lifting. 

The students have recently learned about Shabbat. For those who don't know, Shabbat is the Jewish Sabbath which occurs on a weekly basis from sundown Friday evening through Saturday at sundown. This holiday is a great opportunity for families to gather together, have a nice meal, conclude their week and prepare for the next. Along with all of that comes three vital items on a Shabbat dinner table: candles, a kiddush cup, and challah! It is customary to recite a prayer over each one prior to the meal.
Candles: בָּרוּך אַתָּה אַדָנָי אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם אַשֶׁר קִדְשָנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶל שַבָּת
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam,
 asher kidshanu bemitzvotav vitzivanu
l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.

Blessed are You, God, Ruler of the unvierse,
who sanctified us with the commandment
of lighting Shabbat candles.

Kiddush: בָּרוּך אַתָּה אַדָנָי אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, borei peri hagafen.

Blessed are You, God, Ruler of the universe, 

Who creates the fruit of the vine.

Challah: בָּרוּך אַתָּה אַדָנָי אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם  הָמ וֹציא  לֶחם מן  הַארץ
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam,
hamotzee lehem min ha'aretz.

Blessed are You, God, Ruler of the unvierse,
Who creates bread from the earth.

In class, the students decorated their own challah covers. They all came out beautifully and I love hearing that they are being put to good use! 
The following week, the kids had the privilege of braiding and customizing their own mini challah! They were able to enjoy their deliciously made challah for snack that day and loved it!