Shabbat Shalom: Understanding the Needs of Jewish Guests Over the Weekend

For many Jewish travelers, the Sabbath (Shabbat) — from Friday evening to Saturday evening — is more than just a time of rest. It comes with specific customs, restrictions, and rituals that can affect how your guests interact with your services.

The good news? With a little knowledge and flexibility, your staff can create a seamless experience that respects these needs and earns guest loyalty in return.

Here are a few key considerations:

• Lighting and Electricity: Observant guests may avoid using electricity during Shabbat. Offering manual room keys and pre-setting lights or air conditioning can be a major help.

• Meal Timing: If you’re serving food, be aware that Friday evening and Saturday lunch are important festive meals. Guests might ask about warm, pre-prepared food or use of dining areas during specific hours.

• Late Checkouts: Shabbat ends at nightfall on Saturday. Offering a late checkout at no cost to observant guests can go a long way.

• Walking Distance: Some Jewish guests may ask about walking directions to nearby synagogues, as they won’t use transport during Shabbat.

These accommodations don’t require major changes — just thoughtful planning and staff awareness.

At Tudela Global, we specialize in training your team to anticipate and respectfully manage these weekend needs. With a better understanding of Shabbat customs, you won’t just avoid awkward moments — you’ll build meaningful loyalty.

👉 Join our “Shabbat Hospitality Training”.