Shabbat, like all Jewish days, begins at sunset.  In the story of creation; Genesis Ch. 1, you will notice that it says, "And there was evening, and there was morning, one day." From this, we infer that a day begins with evening, or sunset.   In Jewish literature, poetry and music, Shabbat is described as a bride or queen, as in the popular Shabbat hymn Lecha Dodi Likrat Kallah (come, my beloved, to meet the [Sabbath] bride). continued below ...

Candleholders	Challah Covers	Challah Knives	Challah Plates
For the Shabbat Table	Havdalah	Kiddush Cups	Match Holders / Washing Cups

Novelty Items

Candles

Children's Items for Shabbat

In Deuteronomy 5:15,  Moses notes that on Shabbat we must remember; "You were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the L-rd, your G-d brought you forth from there with a might hand and with an outstretched arm; therefore the L-rd your G-d commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."  By resting on Shabbat, we are reminded that we are free. In today’s world and interpretation of Shabbat is that during the week we are “slaves” to our jobs, and on Shabbat we are free from the daily grind, much like our ancestors were freed from slavery.  

Each ritual object is associated with a baruch  (blessing) which is traditionally recited at the Shabbat table. We say the blessing to appreciate and to thank G-d for the wonders around us.  Two candles are lit, representing the two commandments: zachor (remember) and shamor (observe).  Candles should be lit just before the sun goes down saying the Baruch: Blessed are You, O Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has commanded us to kindle the Shabbat light.

Baruch attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitziivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.

For Shabbat, you make a Kiddush (to make holy).  This is a blessing over a cup of wine to start the Shabbat meal.  Wine is a symbol of joy, happiness and luxury.  Holding the cup of wine in your right hand, you say the Baruch,

"borei peri hagafen." Blessed are You, O Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

After making Kiddush, you make the blessing over the bread, or Challah. 

"Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, ha-motzi lehem min ha-aretz.
Praised are You, Adonai our G-d, Sovereign of the universe, who causes bread to come from the earth."

In Jewish history, challah symbolizes the manna, the special food which God provided the Israelites during their years of wandering in the desert. At the conclusion of Shabbat, the family performs a concluding ritual called Havdalah (separation, division). Blessings are recited over wine, spices and candles. Then a blessing is recited regarding the division between the sacred and the secular, between Shabbat and the working days.