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Shema Yisrael (often called simply "The Shema"), the Biblical passage from Deuteronomy 6:4, is certainly the best known of all Jewish prayers. It is part of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. The phrase of course menas "Hear Israel", and refers to the entire phrase "Hear O Israel, the Lord Thy God, the Lord is One.".

Even the New Testament quotes the Shema. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is asked by a scribe "What is the greatest commandment". He replied with the "Shema".

Jewish events are almost always marked by several "brachot" or "blessings". Since kindling of fire is forbidden on the Sabbath, the week is ended with candle-lighting, and then again the Sabbath is concluded with candle-lighting. The lighting of the fire indicates a separate between the holy and the common (or the secular and the profane).

Their is a brief prayer for candling lighting, typically called "Ner Shel Shabbat". This is typically recited by the woman of the house. This is followed by the "bracha" or blessing said over the wine, then the bread.

The Sabbath is often greeted by the singing of an ancient prayer called "Lecha Dodi". The title of the song literally means "Come My Beloved". In this ancient Kabbalistic song, the sabbath is referred to as "a bride".

The Havdalah service marks the end of Shabbat. It should be performed no earlier than nightfall on Saturday night. Nightfall is the time when three stars can be seen in the sky. It is normally about 45 minutes to an hour after sundown, depending on your latitude.

The word "Havdalah" itself come from the root word "L'HAVDIL" which means to separate or distinguish. The brief ceremony includes three "brachot" (blessings) over wine, spices, and fire. A special Havdalah candle is used that has several wicks; it is usually extinguished in the wine cup, or some wine that is poured into the saucer.

The brief Havdalah ceremony typically concludes with the song "Eliyahu HaNavi" (Elijah the Prophet). The song goes as follows: "Elijah the Prophet, Elijah the Tishbite, Elijah, Elijah, Elijah the Gileadite, Speedily and in our days, Come to us, With the messiah, son of David, With the messiah, son of David."

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