A moment of silent meditation

 

Reader 5:       We acknowledge our linkage to tradition by using the symbols and rituals of Shabbat: the lighting of candles, the sharing of bread, and the drinking of wine.

 

Candlelighting

 

Reader 6:       Light is the symbol of life. Light is the symbol of the spiritual. Light is the symbol of truth.

                                   

All:                          There is darkness in the world.

                                    There is darkness in ourselves.

 

Reader 6:       Light dispels the darkness around us.

                                    Friends dispel the darkness in us.

 

All:                              Our future can appear dark and uncertain.

                                    Our future can  shine with freedom and dignity.

 

Reader 6:       We celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.

 

All:                              Together, may we come to know the blessings of light, friendship, freedom, dignity, and truth.

 

Bread

 

Reader 7:       May this bread we are about to share bring us together with a common vision and purpose.

 

All:                  May we enjoy the fruits of our labor, the work of our hands.

                        May it remind us that there is hunger in the world.

                        And let us also remember that humankind does not live by bread alone.

                                    (the challah is shared)

 

Wine

 

Reader 8:            The Shabbat wine is a symbol of the wholeness of life.

There are times when we drink from bitter cups, yet there are also times when we savor the sweetness and happiness that exalt and celebrate life.

 

All:                  The wine reminds us that life is both joy and sorrow.

                        We accept them both, and so, all that life offers.

                                    (the wine is shared)

 

 

Memorial Thought

 

All:       The light of life is a finite flame. Like the Sabbath candles, life is kindled, it burns, it glows, it is

            radiant with warmth and beauty. But soon it fades; its substance is consumed, and it is no more.

 

In light we see; in light we are seen. The flames dance and our lives are full. But as night follows

day, the candle of life burns down and flutters. There is an end to the flames. We see no more and

are no more seen. Yet we do not despair, for we are more than a memory slowly fading into the

darkness. With our lives we give life. Something of us can never die; we move in the eternal cycle

of darkness and death, of light and life.

 

Torah portion or sharing of other significant readings

 

Conclusion

 

All:       May we lie down this night in peace,

And rise up with life renewed.

May night spread over us a shelter of peace,

Of calm and quiet, the blessing of rest.

 

There will come a time

When morning will bring no word of war, or famine, or anguish;

There will come a day of happiness, and contentment, and peace.

 

Precious is the source of joy within us,

Precious is the night and its rest,

And its promise of peace.

 

Shabbat is a day of freedom and peace,

A celebration of life and creation.

May it open our eyes to the goodness we have attained,

And our hearts to the goodness we may yet achieve.

 

Song:                        Hiney Matov