Before guests arrive
Set candles, cup, challah, and printed links. Decide full flow or short flow first.
Quick choose
Full flow (35-55 min)
1. Candle lighting
Do: Light candles before Shabbat begins.
Say: Nerot Shabbat blessing.
2. Kiddush
Do: Lift cup and read Kiddush slowly.
Say: Friday-night fuller Kiddush.
5. Optional meal blessings
Do: Add Mezonot or Shehecheyanu when relevant.
Say: As needed for your table.
6. After-meal blessing
Do: Close meal with Birkat HaMazon.
Say: Fuller starter or expanded flow.
Short flow (15-25 min)
For smaller groups, kids, or late starts.
Host cue cards
Opening line
"Welcome. Tonight we will keep this clear and meaningful. We will pause before each blessing so everyone can follow."
If guests are new
Use Hebrew + plain English only first pass. Add commentary layers after the first 2-3 blessings.
If kids are present
Use shorter blessings and ask one reflection question at the table after HaMotzi.
After dinner close
Pick one Birkat HaMazon version and end with one gratitude + one commitment sentence.
Saturday night follow-up
Use the Havdalah-at-home set to close Shabbat with continuity.