Step Up Your Shabbat This Year

GOLDA gang, welcome to 2026. While I’m on the record preferring the real new year in the fall, I can’t deny the feeling of possibility that accompanies the early days of January.  

As the first Shabbat of the year hits—and as we’re all thinking about who we want to be and what we want to prioritize—it’s the perfect time to rethink what Friday night could look like. Shabbat, the weekly Jewish practice of unplugging, resetting, and renewing, predates all the modern wellness fads. It has always been there for us as a break from (and antidote to!) the chaos of our days. 

I’ll admit that I don’t turn my phone off, and I don’t always remember to light candles, but every time I manage to pause on a Friday night and tap into this rich tradition, I’m better for it.

I’ll also admit that it helps to have beautiful things around to set Shabbat apart. So whether you observe every week or have always wanted to dip in, here are some ways to elevate your Friday nights in 2026.

Jardin Challah Cover by Ahyin Judaica

When I think about Shabbat, I think about Micaela Ezra. That’s because my challah cover is from her stunning Ahyin collection, embroidered by hand by female artisans in Mexico’s Yucatan region. Micaela is based in Sydney, Australia. I reached out to her in the aftermath of the horrific Hanukkah shooting to ask her about what Shabbat offers us during dark and difficult moments. 

“Right now in this time where we’re all aching and it feels so dark, having these rituals to lean on is not only comforting, it’s also inspiring,” she told me. “It’s the promise that we will continue, and our traditions will continue, and our families and our legacy will continue.”

Mercury Taper Candle Set from Pink Stories 

Let there be light—and let it be this colorful. I shared a different set of Pink Stories tapers in our Chic Summer Shabbat guide, and they are still my go-to brand for bright and bold candles. Obviously this set of three wasn’t originally designed for Shabbat, but that just means we’ll have to order two of them.

Weaving Pattern Candlesticks by Studio Armadillo 

Studio Armadillo in Tel Aviv makes these funky candlesticks with a clay 3D printer. Charming and innovative!

Marble Tablecloth by Goldie Home

I love everything from Goldie Home, Sara Roberts’ collection of painted table linens. This design is especially perfect for a Shabbat dinner tablescape, plus you can have fun mixing and matching napkins and placemats.

Marbled Challah Board by Fredericks and Mae

This fun plastic challah board, sold at the Jewish Museum Shop, is just the match for the tablecloth above. 

Buttercup Glass by Tchotchke

Our pals at Tchotchke make fun and functional Judaica, and these new glasses are no exception: they’re sold individually as a Kiddush Cup or in a set of four as wine glasses.

Always Pan 2.0 from Our Place

Nothing like some cute and versatile cookware to make Shabbat dinner a weekly habit to look forward to.

Shabbat by Adeena Sussman

What I love about Adeena is how she emphasizes simplicity. Going all out the first time you host a Shabbat dinner, she once told me, is a recipe for never wanting to do it again. While you’re at it, preorder your copy of Adeena’s next book, Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y Recipes

Oneg Signature Shabbat Box

Truly the perfect Shabbat starter kit—and a great gift for an engagement or conversion or other life event. The Oneg box includes wood-carved candlesticks, candles, a match dish, a ceramic stemless kiddush cup, a linen challah cover, Shabbat guidebooks, and conversation cards that connect to each week’s Torah portion.

Shabbat Shalom by Suzy Ultman

Reading is one of the most popular Shabbat activities, and GOLDA fave Suzy Ultman has a lovely board book to share with the kinderlach.  

GOLDA may earn a few shekels from purchases made through links in this article.

Shabbat Shalom! Let us know how you’re making Shabbat special this year.

Stay GOLDA,

Stephanie