A Shabbat dinner is a meal that is part of the Jewish observance of Shabbat, which is a day of rest and holiness that begins at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. Shabbat dinner is usually held on Friday night and is one of three required meals during Shabbat, the others being Saturday lunch and a third meal in the late afternoon. Here are some things to expect at a Shabbat dinner:

• Food: Traditional foods served at a Shabbat dinner include gefilte fish, poultry, matzo ball soup, and more, along with sides and desserts. It is customary to eat hot foods at this meal.

• Rituals: Shabbat dinner is a time for worshiping the Lord, honoring tradition, and spending time with family and loved ones. Candles are lit and blessed, and parents bless their children. Synagogue services on Friday night include kabbalat Shabbat, where special songs are sung, and Shabbat is invited metaphorically as a “bride” or “queen” . After the meal, some families will say the blessing that gives thanks for food.

• Attire: It is traditional to wear nice clothes on Shabbat, and some people also wear white as a symbol of purity and holiness.

• Guests: If you are invited to a Shabbat dinner, you should dress for a nice dinner at a friend’s house. It is also customary to bring something to the meal, such as a bottle of wine, challah, or a side dish.