Shabbat Resources
“Family traditions play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging, stability, and identity within the family unit. These practices … create lasting memories and strengthen bonds among family members.” — Family Compassion
So many of us think back on our family traditions, such as Thanksgiving gatherings and shared summer vacations, filled with love and joy that created an intergenerational sense of belonging. But what if we could create a deeply meaningful family tradition that happens every week?
Shabbat provides such an opportunity.
The Shabbat traditions we create need not come from a prayer book or be written in Hebrew. In the words of Lab/Shul in New York, they can be “God-optional.” They should be our own, based on our families’ traditions, geographic distances, and comfort level. Perhaps Shabbat is an opportunity to make something extraordinary out of the ordinary, and to turn those into traditions — setting a pretty table, cooking a Friday night dinner, dressing in nice clothes. Perhaps we consider Shabbat a time to find joy in family meals, good conversation, playing with the grandkids, or even taking a nap.
Our goal in these Shabbat resources is to partner with you and your family members to create Shabbat traditions of personal meaning and joy that result in memories that endure through the generations.
“For us, Shabbat is the best opportunity for quality family time. As philosopher and writer Ahad Ha’am said, ‘More than the Jewish people have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jewish people.’” — Fred and Joyce Claar
The Jewish Grandparents Network is deeply grateful to Fred and Joyce Claar whose support made these Shabbat resources possible.
Photographic Credits
Tzedakah courtesy of Ilene Vogelstein
High-chair scene courtesy of Margie Bogdanow
Shabbat Discovery Kit
This interactive guide is designed especially for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 3–8) to use together — either in person or at a distance. This kit offers ideas and activities to bring Shabbat to life through play, imagination, and hands-on discovery.
Simple Ideas to Bring Shabbat to Life with Grandchildren
Whether you’ve experienced Shabbat since you were a child, or you are encountering it with fresh eyes as a grandparent, here are ways for you to creatively explore and experiment with Shabbat alongside your grandchild — in person or virtually.
How to Bring Shabbat to Life with Grandchildren
Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, master Jewish educator and theater artist, uses creativity, drama, and play to help us activate the weekly celebration of Shabbat with children ages 3–8.
The Meaning of Celebrations and Holidays
When you recall your childhood, it is likely that many of your most significant memories revolve around celebratory gatherings. Read how to add meaning to our celebrations and holidays.
Bubbie’s Candles
Watch a dramatization of Dr. Ron Wolfson’s story about his Bubbie’s Shabbat dinner.
A Palace in Time
How can we make Shabbat a “palace in time” for our families? Filmmaker and author Tiffany Shlain has a proposal.
Mindful Walking with Kids and Teens
Here are six mindful walking practices you can follow on walks with your grandchild of any age.
Dance with Your Grandchildren
Three videos provide an easy dance experience for grandparents and grandchildren ages 2–6. Includes a section on Shabbat, Passover, and Tikkun Olan (Repairing the World).
Take a Hike! 5 Easy Ways to Engage Your Grandchild Outdoors
A hike, of whatever distance, allows you to discover what is around you by using all your senses.
Every Recipe Tells a Story —7 Steps to Cooking with Your Grandchild
Baking and cooking with your grandchild can teach much more than kitchen skills—it’s a way to tell stories, create memories, and build special bonds.
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