#ShabbatUpgrade
Step up your Shabbat experience and make it truly meaningful. As part of the Shabbos Project, we’re inviting families of all observance levels to commit to a “Shabbat Upgrade” for four weeks, starting November 15.
Whether you’ve been keeping Shabbat your whole life or are just starting to explore its beauty, Shabbat has something for everyone, at every level of observance. It's a time to connect, reflect, and refresh. With #ShabbatUpgrade, we invite every family, no matter where you are on your journey, to take one meaningful step to elevate your Shabbat experience.
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Share what your family is doing to elevate Shabbat—whether it's adding new practices or traditions, unplugging more, or creating moments of connection—and enter to win a special prize!
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How to Enter: Post a video on social media with the hashtag #ShabbatUpgrade, explaining how you’re enhancing your Shabbat.
Not on social media? No problem! You can also send your entry via WhatsApp to 303-386-2704 or email it to Shabbatupgrade@joidenver.com
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Prize: One lucky family will win an unforgettable experience at the Body & Soul Retreat—an all-inclusive weekend packed with inspiration, relaxation, and family bonding!
Looking for Inspiration?
Here are a few suggestions to get you started…
Unplug from Technology – Put away phones and screens for a set amount of time on Shabbat. Why not try to disconnect from sundown on Friday night until the next morning?
Shabbat Candles – Light candles to mark the beginning of Shabbat, creating a calm atmosphere at home. See resources at joidenver.com/shabbat​
Kiddush – Recite or listen to Kiddush over wine or grape juice. See resources at joidenver.com/shabbat​
Family Dinner Tradition – Share a Shabbat dinner together on Friday night, complete with blessings over bread and wine. See resources at joidenver.com/shabbat
Read the weekly Parsha – Read and share the weekly Torah portion as a family to discuss and reflect on together.
Blessing the Children – Start the tradition of blessing each child at the Shabbat table.
Zemirot (Shabbat Songs) – Learn and sing traditional Shabbat songs to create a joyful ambiance. See resources at joidenver.com/shabbat
Say Havdalah – End Shabbat with the Havdalah ceremony, using a candle, wine, and spices to transition into the new week. See resources at joidenver.com/shabbat
Limit Driving – Try staying home or within walking distance on Shabbat to enjoy a more restful and spirtual day.
Attend Shabbat Services – Go to synagogue as a family
Keep a full Shabbat - Learn what it takes and put it to practice for the entire 25 hours of Shabbat or try from sundown on Friday until you wake up in the morning.
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Shabbat Learning Session – Dedicate some time to study Jewish texts or discuss Jewish topics as a family.
Refrain from Business/Work Talk – Avoid discussing work, school, or other weekday concerns.
Light candles early - Avoid the last minute rush into shabbat
Strengthen Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming Guests) – Host new guests each Shabbat.
Elevate Shabbat Meals – Try enhancing the atmosphere with new recipes, refined table decor, or a special theme to create a beautiful, festive Shabbat environment that inspires joy and excitement.
Focus on Positive Speech – Make a family commitment to avoid lashon hara (negative speech) and focus on speaking kindly to one another, enhancing Shabbat as a day of pure, uplifting words.
Shabbat Table Parsha Insights – Each family member can come to the Shabbat table with a unique insight, question, or dvar Torah on the parsha to create lively discussion and new perspectives.
Deepen Family Torah Study – Dedicate time to study a new Torah topic or explore a specific Jewish book together as a family, creating a mini learning series over the weeks.