*Highlights from @NCSY panel discussion on making Shabbos Table engaging*

What is your least favorite Shabbos table food?

Mrs. Kaminetsky: Chicken on the bone.

@JudahMischel: Fruit—“now is not the time.”

@RabbiGoldberg: Tongue

What is a Shabbos Table custom we should discontinue?

Mrs. Kam: Separate children’s table

Rav Judah: Just put the soup pot on the table.

Rabbi Goldberg: No delay of games — get the meal started.

What’s the key to making Shabbos come alive?

Mrs. Kam: Good bits—my children perform actual comedy routines. Good singing. Education that reaches everyone. Also we sit on opposite ends of the table—but width-wise not the length of table. We can have 4 people engaged next to us.

What’s the key to making the Shabbos table come alive?

Rav Judah: You need to know כלום חסר בבית המלך—nothing is lacking at your Shabbos table. Stop looking around, over your shoulder. Everything you need is in front of you.

What's the key to making the Shabbos table come alive?

Rabbi Goldberg: (1) You need to prepare. (2) Have healthy expectations--don't force kids to stay at the table longer than they want to. (3) Don't a Divrei Torah--spark conversation with everyone and create memorable rituals.

What is your favorite Shabbos song?

Mrs. Kam: Kah Ribon

Rav Judah: Punchinello Funny Fellow--we make it a bit with the children. Dances and all.

Rabbi Goldberg: Kah Eshsof

When do you start/end your Shabbos day meal?

Mrs. Kam: 11:45 and we're finished by 2PM mincha.

Rav Judah: Rolling admissions.

Rabbi Goldberg: I can get grumpy if it doesn't start by 12 and we end about 3.