Asher's Shabbat Adventure
Every Friday evening, Asher's house filled with the most wonderful smells — challah baking in the oven, chicken soup bubbling on the stove, and the sweet scent of the Shabbat candles waiting to be lit. But this particular Friday was different. A tremendous snowstorm had blown in, and the power went out just as the sun was setting.
"How will we have Shabbat without electricity?" Asher asked, worried. Grandma Sarah smiled her gentle smile and said, "Shabbat doesn't need electricity, my love. It only needs us."
They lit the candles together, and the warm glow filled the kitchen with dancing shadows. Papa said the kiddush over grape juice since the wine was frozen in the car, and everyone laughed. They ate cold challah with honey, told stories about Grandma's childhood in Jerusalem, and sang Shabbat songs that echoed through the snowy night.
Asher's little brother fell asleep in Mama's arms, and Asher leaned against Papa's shoulder, watching the candle flames flicker. "This is the best Shabbat ever," Asher whispered. And they meant it, because they had discovered that the magic of Shabbat isn't in the fancy food or the warm house — it's in being together, slowing down, and feeling grateful for the people you love.
Outside, the snow fell softly, blanketing the world in white peace. And inside, the candles burned on, tiny beacons of light and love.
Talk about it
Asher discovered that Shabbat's magic comes from being together, not from things.
Three questions for lights-out
- What did Asher worry about when the power went out?
- How did Grandma Sarah help Asher feel better about the storm?
- What was special about this Shabbat compared to other Shabbats?
Words worth knowing
- Shabbat
- A Jewish day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening
- challah
- A braided loaf of bread eaten on Shabbat and holidays
- kiddush
- A blessing said over wine or juice to start Shabbat
- tremendous
- Very large or impressive in size or strength
- beacons
- Bright lights that guide people or show them the way
Why does the story mention forgiveness when it's about a snowstorm?
The story shows how Asher forgave the disruption to their usual Shabbat routine and discovered something better instead. Sometimes letting go of how we expected things to be is its own kind of forgiveness.
Is this story appropriate for non-Jewish families?
Yes. While it features a Jewish tradition, the core message—that togetherness matters more than perfect circumstances—resonates with any family. You can adapt the details to match your own traditions.