We are commanded by the prophets to honor Shabbat and make it a pleasurable day, as the verse states: “And you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s sacred, honored” (Isaiah 58:13). The Sages instructed us how to fulfill this command.

One should begin cooking for Shabbat in advance, and it is considered meritorious to expend special effort to prepare the Shabbat food. In order to fulfill the commandment to experience pleasure at the Shabbat meals, each person should eat foods that he enjoys.

Since for most people a significant meal includes meat, it is customary to serve meat at the Shabbat meals, provided that the diners enjoy it. It is also customary to eat fish on Shabbat, provided that the diners enjoy it. Some people bake their own homemade loaves (hallot) for the Shabbat meals. This is a beautiful custom, but is not obligatory.

Further reading: Those who bake bread of any kind, including hallot, must ensure they fulfill the commandment to separate a piece of dough before baking, as detailed on p. 547.

One also demonstrates honor for Shabbat through straightening and cleaning one’s home. One should lay a clean, fine tablecloth reserved for Shabbat on the dining table. It is advisable to set the table in advance, so that one can enter Shabbat in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

The honor of Shabbat also requires one to welcome it in a state of personal cleanliness. One should shower in hot water and cut his nails before Shabbat. If this is not possible, he should at least wash his face, hands, and feet. It is also proper for everyone to own and wear a special set of clean, nice clothes for Shabbat.

Some men have the custom to immerse themselves in a ritual bath [mikva] on Friday to increase their level of purity in honor of Shabbat.