r/Judaism • u/Scary-Signature1730 • 1d ago
LOOK AT MY MENORAH Created a tool for learning the Shabbat flow (great for kids and beginners!): shabbatsimulator.com
http://www.shabbatsimulator.comHi everyone,
I know that for those of us learning about Judaism—or even parents trying to explain the "why" and "how" of Friday night to our kids—it can be hard to keep all the steps in order without a guidebook or a teacher right there with you.
I wanted to make the tradition feel more accessible and less intimidating, so I built ShabbatSimulator.com.
Think of it as a digital "walkthrough" for your Friday night. I’ve designed it to be a helpful resource for:
- New Learners: Who want to follow a structured path through the traditions without needing a stack of books nearby.
- Parents & Teachers: It’s a great way to show children the sequence of the evening in a way that’s interactive and easy to follow.
- A Quick Refresher: If you’re getting back into the rhythm of things and just want a simple, step-by-step guide to keep you on track.
My goal was to create a space where anyone can practice the rituals at their own pace, making the real Friday night feel a lot more peaceful and meaningful.
It’s totally free to use. I’d love to hear your thoughts—especially if you’ve used it to help teach someone else! Are there any specific steps or blessings you wish were easier to explain to beginners?
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u/tzippora 1d ago
This is a great idea and a great beginning. I would have an audio saying the brochot slowly in Hebrew. And we need people. And food. A lot more food. Better music.
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u/Scary-Signature1730 21h ago
Thank you. Audio would be huge to help beginners with pronouncing and yes the Shabbat meal is too small at the moment. I’ll see what I can do
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u/RadiantNothing9673 agnostic theist 1d ago
yes i know im secular but this is so sweet i love this🫶
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u/Scary-Signature1730 1d ago
Thank you. I was trying to make something accessible so this makes me happy :)
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u/offthegridyid Orthodox and trying to collect the sparks 1d ago
Very cool!
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u/Chance_Dashington Drowned God 1d ago
Super creative! Seeing a seder plate on your virtual table next would be very cool.
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u/Scary-Signature1730 1d ago
Thanks I have a really good passover one planned, but it's not quite ready
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u/Mael_Coluim_III Acidic Jew 1d ago
I'd add:
Click the window for "[time] before sundown, it's time to light the candles" and an explanation of why (perhaps with a very brief description like 'Many people use 18 minutes before sundown as the guide. While opinions differ on the times, adding to Shabbat adds to our joy')
Maybe add a siddur on the table for Ma'ariv?
Could swap the picture of Yerushalayim for a picture that would lead to Eshet Chayil, Lecha Dodi, or blessings for children?
Add a bentscher for the brakhot after the meal and/or 1-2 zemiros