Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, begins each Friday at sundown and continues until Saturday night. Jewish families around the world put aside weekday concerns and come together to sing, pray, eat, drink, and enjoy the simple blessing of being together. When the weather is warm, a Shabbat picnic with friends is the perfect way to usher in the holiday while appreciating the beauty around you. Here’s how to get together with friends for a Shabbat picnic.
Invite Your Friends
Go ahead and make a few calls to get the plans solidified and on everyone’s calendars. You can also involve the kids by having them:
- Decorate and deliver cards
- Put a fun electronic invite together to send via email
Find a Spot
Check out online reviews and local guidebooks at the library to find the perfect spot for your picnic. If you’re meeting in the evening, you’ll want to find somewhere with good lighting that’s easy to navigate. For a Saturday afternoon picnic, mark off some easy trails to stroll through after lunch.
Pack a Basket
Grab your snack foods, blanket, flashlights, and, if you’re meeting on Friday, a few key elements as well. Here’s a short list:
Read a Story
Pack a book or two for the youngest attendees to peruse or prepare for your picnic with one of these adorable stories about getting together with friends and neighbors:
Listen
Here’s a playlist of beautiful music to get you ready for your Shabbat picnic:
Enjoy
Go forth and picnic! Be sure to tell us about your gathering (we’d love to see photos) by sharing your photos with PJ Library on social media.
More
7 Ideas For Get Togethers With Other Families
7 Kid-Friendly Foods to Pack for Your Next Shabbat Picnic
How to Enjoy Shabbat Dinner at Home
July 15, 2025