Shabbat
30 Ways to Make Your Shabbat Table a Magical Family Experience
From decor to divrei Torah, here’s how to turn your Friday night table into the highlight of your family’s week
- Naama Green
- פורסם ט' טבת התשפ"ה
(Photo: Courtesy of the Bouzaglo Family) #VALUE!
Create a Shabbat Table That Shines
A beautifully set Shabbat table with an elegant tablecloth and nice dishes sets a dignified tone.
Use a white cloth and layer it with a silver or gold runner for an elegant look. Add low vases, dried petals, and decorative napkin rings.
A meaningful meal doesn’t just happen on its own. Prepare for it during the week. Jot down interesting stories or dilemmas to share over the meal.
Use special Shabbat dishes or stylish disposable sets. If using disposables, vary the colors and patterns weekly for a fresh look.
Mix light and dark colors creatively. A white tablecloth with leaf-themed plates, black flatware, and matching glasses creates a dramatic and refined look.
![(Photo: Courtesy of the Bouzaglo Family)]()
(Photo: Courtesy of the Bouzaglo Family)
(Photo: Courtesy of the Bouzaglo Family)Engage the Family and Elevate the Experience
Save special treats (like nuts or candy) just for Shabbat. In one home, a father rewards beautiful singing with special chocolates, and everyone joins in.
Ensure a comfortable seating arrangement and give the kids a pre-dinner snack to keep their spirits up.
Take time to rest and decompress before Shabbat begins. It makes all the difference.
Dance with your kids. It builds anticipation and becomes a weekly highlight.
Cater to each child’s age with age-appropriate songs and stories.
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(Photo: shutterstock)Use layered textures like placemats and runners in different materials to enrich the table’s visual appeal.
Small incentives (like candies) can keep young children engaged and well-behaved at the table.
Kids love riddles! Let a different child create a parsha quiz each week,
Special songs make the Shabbat meal special. Play Shabbat melodies during the week and give each child their own zemirot booklet.
Focus the first part of the meal on the children with stories and conversation and then gently let them step away when needed.
Make Shabbat Last and Loved
A Rebbe once said a parent should prepare for Shabbat dinner like a Rosh Yeshiva preps a major lecture. One dad tells three stories per meal, all planned in advance.
End the meal with Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) sung aloud. Even children who struggle with its length enjoy it more when it’s joyful and musical.
Involve every family member in preparing the meal or setting the table. It fosters unity and belonging.
Start the meal with a round of compliments and acknowledge everyone. Use the time to celebrate birthdays or share stories from the week.
Read from engaging halacha (Jewish law) books that use vivid illustrations and explanations tailored for kids.
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(Photo: shutterstock)Talmud stories are a hit with kids. Plan which ones to share.
After dinner and bedtime for little ones, enjoy dessert and a deeper talk with your teens. These moments are golden.
Set realistic expectations: tell the kids how long they’re expected to stay at the table and when they may quietly step away.
Praise kids aloud for their behavior or singing and hand out small prizes or treats as positive reinforcement.
With planning, prayer, and patience, your Shabbat table can become so special that your kids won't want to go anywhere else.
Include parsha riddles, tailored to different skill levels so every child has a chance to shine.
Teach Shabbat laws through kid-friendly scenarios and kids will look forward to the learning.
Above all: pray, stay patient, and keep the atmosphere warm and joyful.
Let the kids set the table and fold the napkins however they want. It may not look perfect, but it brings them pride and excitement.
Dress your children in beautiful clothes for Shabbat meals. Well-dressed, royal-looking kids elevate the entire atmosphere.
