Ways to Involve Children in Erev Shabbat Prep
Shabbat is a weekly gift from God, a time to step away from the busyness of life and enter into rest, renewal, and connection with family and faith. But let’s be honest—getting everything ready for Friday night dinner while managing young children can feel overwhelming.
Instead of making Shabbat prep a solo mission, why not bring your kids into the process? Involving them in age-appropriate ways not only lightens your load but also teaches them the beauty of Sabbath rest.
In this post, I’ll walk you through simple, fun, and meaningful ways to prepare for Shabbat with your children—so it becomes a tradition they love and look forward to!
Why Involve Kids in Shabbat Prep?
Bringing children into Friday night preparations is about more than just helping out—it’s about:
✔ Teaching Biblical values – Shabbat is the first thing declared holy in the Bible (Genesis 2:3). When kids participate, they experience God’s rhythms firsthand.
✔ Building family bonds – Working together in joyful preparation strengthens family relationships.
✔ Creating lasting traditions – Kids love routines and rituals. By making Shabbat prep fun, you’re creating memories they’ll carry into adulthood.
✔ Fostering responsibility – When children have small jobs, they develop a sense of ownership over their role in the family.
✔ Slowing down & enjoying the process – Prepping for Shabbat should feel peaceful, not stressful. Involving kids reminds us to slow down and embrace the moment.
Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Kids Involved in Shabbat Prep
1. Setting the Atmosphere
Friday afternoon can feel chaotic if you’re rushing to get everything ready. Instead, make Shabbat prep a special time of anticipation.
🎶 Play Shabbat music – Put on upbeat songs or quiet melodies to set a joyful tone.
🕯 Talk about Shabbat’s meaning – Share with your kids why God gave us this day of rest.
💡 Let them count down – Use a countdown chart or let them flip a sign that says “Shabbat is coming!”
✅ Kid-Friendly Task: Have them help set the mood by turning on special Friday night lights or lighting battery-operated candles.
2. Cleaning & Preparing the Home
Shabbat is a time of peace, so getting the house tidy and fresh makes the transition smoother.
🧹 Quick Clean-Up Race – Give each child a small task like putting away toys, folding blankets, or wiping surfaces.
🌿 Decorate with flowers – Let them pick or arrange flowers for the table.
👕 Choose special clothes – Have them lay out their “Shabbat best” (even if it’s just a clean, cozy outfit).
✅ Kid-Friendly Task: Give them a small spray bottle with natural cleaner so they can help wipe down the table or chairs.
3. Setting the Table
Shabbat dinner is the highlight of the evening! Let kids take pride in setting a beautiful table.
🍽 Place the dishes – Teach them how to set the table properly.
🍞 Cover the challah – If you have a special challah cover, let them place it over the bread.
✨ Add decorative touches – Use napkin rings, candles, or handwritten name cards for extra joy!
✅ Kid-Friendly Task: Give them stickers or colored pencils to make Shabbat place cards for each family member.
4. Baking Challah Together
Making challah is one of the most fun and meaningful ways to prepare for Shabbat! Kids love the hands-on process of kneading and braiding dough.
🥄 Let them measure ingredients – Teach them basic baking skills.
✋ Let them knead – This is great for sensory development!
🌈 Let them braid their own mini challah – They can make fun shapes, letters, or small rolls.
✅ Kid-Friendly Task: Set aside a small piece of dough so they can make a “challah creation”—maybe a star, a heart, or even their initials!
5. Preparing a Special Kiddush Cup
The blessing over the wine/grape juice (Kiddush) is a special moment of Shabbat. Let your kids have their own cup so they feel included.
🍷 Pour their own grape juice – Give them a mini kiddush cup or a small glass.
🎨 Decorate a Kiddush cup – Use a plain plastic cup and let them paint it for Shabbat!
✅ Kid-Friendly Task: Have them hold their cup up high when saying the Kiddush blessing!
6. Saying the Blessings Together
Shabbat begins with a few key blessings—over the candles, wine, and challah.
🕯 Lighting Candles – Teach them to cover their eyes and say a prayer.
🍷 Blessing the Grape Juice – Let them repeat after you in Hebrew or English.
🍞 Blessing Over the Challah – Let them hold the bread with you before breaking it.
✅ Kid-Friendly Task: Teach them one Hebrew word from the blessings each week (like Shalom, Baruch, or Adonai).
7. Making Shabbat a Delight!
Shabbat should feel joyful and special for your kids! After dinner, have fun family time before bedtime.
📖 Tell a Bible Story – Let them pick their favorite story to read aloud.
🎶 Sing Songs – Teach them classic Shabbat songs or praise songs.
🃏 Play a Quiet Game – Keep it simple with Shabbat-themed charades or a memory game.
✅ Kid-Friendly Task: Ask them one thing they are thankful for this week—this helps them reflect and embrace gratitude.
Final Thoughts: Creating a Legacy of Shabbat Joy
By involving your kids in Shabbat prep, you’re doing more than just getting things done—you’re building lifelong habits and creating a deep love for God’s rhythms.
🌿 Shabbat is a gift, not a burden. Let it be joyful, simple, and full of love.
Want to Bring More Biblical Rhythms into Your Home?
I help overwhelmed Christian moms restore peace, order, and Biblical timekeeping in their homes. If you want to:
✅ Learn how to implement Biblical rhythms without stress
✅ Raise kids who love God’s time and Biblical traditions
✅ Feel confident about leading your home in faith
📅 Book a 1:1 call with me today—let’s build a home that thrives in God’s time! ✨
💬 Which part of Shabbat prep do your kids love most? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️
