For the past two weeks on Fridays we have been discussing shabbat and the 4 pillars of celebrating it. So far we have discussed enjoying shabbat and making it great. This week I want to discuss the 3rd pillar, Zchirat Shabbat – Remembering Shabbat.
The Torah tells us (Exodus 20:7), “זָכוֹר אֶת-יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת, לְקַדְּשׁוֹ – Remember shabbat so that you can connect to it” we learn based on this that we fulfill the instruction of “remembering shabbat” by “connecting to it” or by making Kiddush (from the same root as לְקַדְּשׁוֹ). This ritual action is performed at the start of shabbat. That means that we say Kiddush on Friday night.
The goals of kiddush are many, but the main focus is to remind us of the special qualities of shabbat and to make a separation between shabbat and the rest of the week.
How to make kiddush: http://www.aish.com/sh/ht/fn/48967396.html
Again, keep in mind all the other pillars of shabbat that we have discussed and try to incorporate all of them together in each new aspect of shabbat you celebrate, for example make kiddush an event with family and friends and use delicious grape juice, so that you can both enjoy and remember shabbat at once!
So, today before shabbat starts pick up some delicious (kosher) grape juice (not wine!) and tonight after sunset get together with family and friends and remember shabbat by making kiddush!