Get Ready for Shabbat | The Mitzvah Movement

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Physically ready

Finish the cookingEverything for Friday night and Shabbat day is made before candle-lighting. Set up any warming plate now.Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 250:1Halachic Ruling Prepare something for Shabbat with your own hands, even if others help — as the Sages did themselves (Shabbat 119a).
Set the tableA white cloth, two challot under a cover, and a cup with wine or grape juice for Kiddush.Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 274:1Halachic Ruling Two loaves — lechem mishneh — recall the double portion of manna that fell before Shabbat.
Get the candles readyIn a safe place where you will eat. Know your candle-lighting time.Shabbat 25b →Primary Source Lighting Shabbat candles is an obligation.
Wash and dress for ShabbatShower, cut your nails, and put on clothes you keep for Shabbat.Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 260:1; 262:2Halachic Ruling Washing in honor of Shabbat and wearing fine clothes are part of honoring the day.
Lights on, phone awayLeave on the lights you will need, set any timers, and decide where the phone will rest until Havdalah.Mitzvah Movement Synthesis Practical preparation so nothing pulls you out of Shabbat.

Spiritually ready

Give tzedakahPut a few coins in the tzedakah box before lighting.Later / Mystical Tradition · Summary A widespread custom: to give tzedakah just before candle-lighting.
Make peace with someoneCall, text, or forgive in your heart. Shabbat begins in peace.Shabbat 23b →Primary Source The Shabbat lamp comes first because of shalom bayit — peace in the home.
Review this week’s Torah portionEven a few verses. Traditionally the whole portion is read twice with a translation during the week.Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 285:1Halachic Ruling Shnayim mikra v’echad targum — twice the verse, once the translation.
Leave the week behindName one worry and one regret from this week. Hand them to Hashem until Shabbat ends.Mitzvah Movement Synthesis Shabbat is a rest for the mind as well as the body.
Go out to greet the Shabbat QueenBefore sunset, stop. Say: “Come, let us go out to greet Shabbat the Queen.”Shabbat 119a →Primary Source Rabbi Chanina would wrap himself in his garment on Friday at sunset and say these words.