Shabbat 101- FAQ

What do I need for Shabbat?

The four most important items for Shabbat are Shabbat candles, challah, wine and/or grape juice, and yourself!

If you take care of yourself, Houston Hillel will provide the rest. Just pick up a Shabbat Kit from the Houston Hillel Student Center! Shabbat kits include Shabbat candles and candlesticks, matches, kiddush cup, wine and/or grape juice, challah and a challah cover, prayer books, benchers for birkat hamazon, and a booklet of helpful Shabbat information.

It's your Shabbat.

You can conduct a Shabbat service - or not. You can have a formal dinner or something less formal or even strange. You can arrange for someone to give a d'var Torah - or not. It's your Shabbat to structure as you wish.

Houston Hillel will subsidize part of the cost of your Shabbat dinner. Give us a call for more details - 713-526-4918.

Where can I host Shabbat?

You can host Shabbat just about anywhere. Here's a list of fun places to have Shabbat. Let us know if you can think of others.

Your Dorm A Fraternity or Sorority House Your House or Apartment Your Parent's House Valhalla The Underground A Restaurant Rice Stadium Hermann Park Discovery Green Services at a Synagogue & Dinner at Home or a Restaurant

How do I give a D'var Torah?

Giving a d'var Torah - an insight into the weekly Torah portion - is nothing to stress out about! Simply follow these steps:

Look in the Torah portion for a verse, character, or an episode that intrigues you. Kenny can help you out here.
Ask yourself why this particular point interests you. Does it remind you of something in your own life? Is it something that needs more explanation? Does it suggest a story?
Think of ways to relate this story to something contemporary, such as a recent event, an issue on campus, or a book you just read.
Tell your friends your thoughts. Your explanation doesn't have to be complete. Present a half-baked idea and ask the group to fill in with their own thoughts.
Remember that Rabbi Kenny Weiss is always happy to lend you a hand. Just drop him a message at kweiss@houstonhillel.org.