The family clearly regarded it as important and meaningful, as reflected in the careful attention to detail expressed in the layout of the table, but not as an extraordinary, anticipated event like Passover or Christmas for Christians. The family's good dishes and napkins were used, and everyone was dressed to denote the fact that this was a formal occasion. However, the very 'best' china was not used, as it would be for a High Holy Day in Judaism. On one hand, this sense of formality combined with informality made me feel more at ease. On the other hand, I was aware that I was intruding into a private family ritual, albeit one connected to a larger cultural tradition. My preconceived notions about the observation of the Jewish Shabbos were that it was or should be a profoundly religious experience, and one that was very different from my own observance of a meal. This was partially because of my vague knowledge of the very strict rules attached to keeping the Sabbath. For example, growing up, I knew very observant Jewish friends could not come over to my house to play on Friday nights or Saturday mornings, because of religious obligations and because their parents could not drive a car during those times. Attending the Sabbath created a sense of normalcy of the experience for me and contextualized my previous encounters with Orthodox Judaism. Before, I was only aware of what Jews could not do on the Sabbath...

Additionally, outside of the religious rituals, I was treated as I always was at my friend's house -- in a very comfortable and welcoming manner that did not feel alienating. The fact that it was known I was attending the meal for a class, and some of the blessings (like the Shalom Aleikhem) were explained to me at the time or beforehand made me feel more accepted than I might otherwise, or had I attended a synagogue-based ritual. Even the children tried to explain why certain things were done, in a certain order, at a specific time.
In terms of this impact upon my 'self,' it did not make me feel alienated, only prompted my reflection upon how religion affects the rhythms of some people's daily lives. On one hand, Orthodox Jew's lives are very much affected by the requirements of their religion, from praying in the morning, to holiday observances, to the weekly ritual of the Sabbath. However, on the other hand, these practices becomes so normalized, it does not seem constraining, as it might to an outsider, as it is no different from other weekly 'unwinding' rituals and family obligations.