How to Recite Kabbolas Shabbos

How to Daven Kabbolas Shabbos and its Origins

Kabbolas Shabbos (the prayer recited when greeting the Shabbos) as it is appears in the siddur is not found in the Gemara, but was added later. The Gemara mentions the concept of bedecking ourselves in fine clothing and saying, “Bo’u v’netze likras Shabbos hamalkah, likras Shabbos kallah malksa” (Come and let us go out and greet the Shabbos Queen, the bride), “Bo’i challah bo’i challah,” (Come kallah, come kallah.) The recital of the chapter of Tehillim “Mizmor L’David” was introduced at a later time by the Arizal; the song Lecha dodi likras kallah (Come My Beloved to greet the bride) was composed by Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz, and the selection from the Zohar that begins with Kegavna—which is found in siddurim Nusach Sfard and Nusach Ari—was introduced by the Baal Shem Tov or his talmidim (students). Kabbolas Shabbos should be said with simchah (joy), just as if we are greeting the Shechinah, and it’s therefore befitting that it be done with great happiness. We should greet the Shabbos b’kol ram (with a loud voice); The Arizal would daven extra loud on Shabbos due to kavod Shabbos (in honor of Shabbos). There are a number of sefarim that say that we should recite Kabbolas Shabbos with a minyan (quorum), since greeting Shabbos is similar to Birchas Chasanim, the brachah for chosson and kallah, which is done with a minyan. #351

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Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.