Shabbat Shalom

I love that Reform Judaism is portable and tolerant. We embraced both of these attributes this Shabbat evening.
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Our Shabbat preparations started with a bus ride. Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I caught the local bus on the nearby road. Our 30 pesos took all 4 of us on a 30 minute ride to Mega. We purchased items for our Shabbat dinner. We took a taxi back for 190 pesos in order to transport our 4 boxes of groceries and make a quick stop at our favorite bakery.
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It was time ...

Oldest Son lit the candles. My Chanukah present this year was this clever Shabbat Candle Travel Holder. It folds to a ball (see the hinge) and then opens to hold the lights of Shabbat. There are scenes of Israel on the outside.

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We recited the Blessing Over the Candles:

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Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

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asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu

Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

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l'had'lik neir shel Shabbat. (Amein)

to light the lights of Shabbat. (Amen)

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Then ...

Traditional: Kiddush is recited while holding then drinking fruit of the vine (a cup of wine or grape juice)

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In Mexico: Well - we embrace the spirit that moves us and customs around us ...

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We recited the Kiddush:

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Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
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borei p'ri hagafen (Amein)

Who creates the fruit of the vine (Amen)

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Finally ...

Traditional: We lift the Challah loaf and recite the Ha-Motzi. The challah is then ripped into pieces or sliced and passed around the table, so that each person may have a piece. The family meal may then begin.
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In Mexico: Youngest Son lifts the Totopos ...
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We sang the Ha-Motzi Song:
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Hamotzi lechem min haaretz,

We give thanks to God for bread.

Our voices rise in song together as our joyful prayer is said,

“Baruch atah adonai, eloheinu melech haolam,

hamotzi lechem min haaretz. Amen.”

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(Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe

who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen.)

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The Family Meal ...

Traditional: Brisket or Chicken, Vegetable

In Mexico: We made Sopas - Muy Bien!