Shabbat Bride

From Shabbat

Shabbat is often referred to as the Shabbat Kallah- "the Sabbath bride" or Shabbat Ha Malkah- "the Sabbath queen." The theme of Shabbat as bride is found throughout the traditional Friday night prayers. Sixteenth century mystics of Safed created the Friday evening service, called in Hebrew, Kabbalat Shabbat, which means Welcoming the Sabbath, and includes the traditional prayer "Lekha Dodi" during which, as the last verse is sung, it is customary for the congregation to turn from the Aron, the ark which contain the Torahs, and bow before the synagogue entrance as if the bride is about to enter.