As a Jewish mom living in vibrant Miami, I cherish the peaceful moments of Shabbat. It’s a time to pause, connect with family, and celebrate our traditions. Over the years, I’ve discovered some creative ways to make our Shabbat special, and I want to share these ideas with you!
1. Themed Dinner Nights
I love to make our Shabbat dinners unique by having themes. One week, we did a Mediterranean feast, complete with hummus, pita, and fresh veggies. Elliott got really into helping prepare the food. He proudly arranged the veggies on a platter, saying, “Mom, it looks like art!”
2. DIY Shabbat Candles
Instead of just lighting the usual candles, I decided to have a little fun with it. I gathered the kids for a DIY candle-making session. We melted wax, added colors, and even some scents. Hannah loved picking the lavender fragrance. When we lit them on Friday night, I felt a special connection to the candles we made together.
3. Creative Kiddush Cups
I enjoy personalizing our Kiddush cups to make them more meaningful. Last Shabbat, I let Elliott decorate his cup with stickers that represent what he loves—like soccer and superheroes. Seeing him excited to use his own cup brought a smile to my face.
4. Storytime Under the Stars
Living in Miami gives us the perfect opportunity for outdoor gatherings. I set up a cozy space on our balcony with blankets and pillows for storytime. After dinner, we’d sit outside and share stories from our week. I felt like we were creating our own little world. Just last week, we even spotted a shooting star!
5. Family Gratitude Circle
Before the Shabbat meal, we gather in a circle and share what we’re grateful for. This has become a beautiful tradition. I remember one Friday, Hannah expressed gratitude for her friends, and Elliott thanked me for cooking. It’s moments like these that warm my heart and remind me of our blessings.
6. Shabbat Crafts
To keep the kids engaged, I often plan a craft activity. Last week, we made decorative challah covers. Meyer helped by sewing some of the edges while I guided the kids on painting. It was messy but fun, and we now have a beautiful cover that holds memories of our time together.
7. Musical Shabbat
Music is a big part of our lives. I love incorporating songs into our Shabbat celebrations. I created a playlist of traditional tunes mixed with some contemporary Jewish music. I’ll never forget when Elliott took the lead and started dancing around the table, making us all laugh and join in!
8. Outdoor Shabbat Walks
After our Shabbat meal, we often take a family walk around the neighborhood. The balmy Miami nights are perfect for this. I feel a sense of peace as we stroll, chatting about our week and enjoying the night air. Just last week, we spotted a family of turtles crossing the road, which was a delightful surprise!
9. Shabbat Baking Together
Baking challah has become a fun ritual for us. I let the kids knead the dough and shape it into beautiful loaves. I love watching their faces light up as they create something special. Meyer usually sneaks a taste of the dough when the kids aren’t looking, and we all giggle at his guilty pleasure!
10. Reflecting Together
As Shabbat comes to an end, I like to take a moment for reflection. We sit together, discussing what we learned or how we can improve for the next week. This has helped us bond and grow as a family. I feel grateful for these moments of honesty and connection.
Celebrating Shabbat in Miami can be both traditional and creative. These ideas have transformed our Shabbat experience, making it a time of joy, laughter, and connection. I hope these suggestions inspire other moms to find their own unique ways to celebrate!