Holidays are the best, aren’t they? It’s a time to explore new places, take a break from the regular schedules of work and school, and be with your family. But what if you love celebrating Shabbat and don’t want to skip all your family’s beautiful traditions just because you’re away from home? After all, being Jewish means you’re Jewish everywhere, not just at home or at synagogue.
Sometimes families think they have to choose between celebrating Shabbat and enjoying their holiday. Whether you celebrate a strictly observant Shabbat every week or you just like to have low-key family night on the occasional Friday evening, you don’t have to miss out on Shabbat when you’re on a trip.
Here are some ways to take Shabbat with you when you’re traveling. It’s helpful to keep in mind that Jewish families celebrate Shabbat in different ways, so some of these suggestions might not necessarily apply to your family.
Make a Portable Shabbat Kit
Unlike holidays that involve significant dietary changes (like Passover) or building structures (Sukkot), Shabbat is extremely portable. All you really need are candles, a box of grape juice or small bottle of wine, and a food item you can say the motzi blessing over.
You can also create a printout of the Shabbat blessings, which could be helpful even when you’re celebrating at home.
Build in Some Downtime
If you’re hoping to keep the restful spirit of Shabbat, what better time to rest and rejuvenate than while on holiday? For families who are active sightseers, you can try scheduling your holiday so Shabbat falls in the middle of the trip, giving you a day to recharge.
Find Community
Unless you’re in a very remote place, chances are good there’s at least a small Jewish community nearby. If you’re feeling adventurous, reach out to the local Jewish Community Centre, a local synagogue, or in some cases, the local PJ Library office to find out about Shabbat services or meals happening in the city you’re visiting.
Bring PJ Library books with you
One of the best ways to keep the Shabbat spirit even when plans change is by reading your favourite Shabbat stories. Here are a few PJ Library selections to pack for the trip.
Donate your hotel toiletries
Some families have the tradition of giving tzedakah before the start of Shabbat. If you’re so inclined, find a local charity where you’re on holiday you can donate to. Local nonprofits are involved in every field, from wildlife preservation to cultural arts and everything in between.
For an easy and tangible way to give back, you could also donate any unused toiletries from your hotel room.
August 16, 2019