Shabbat

Shabbat (also known as Sabbath in English) is the day of rest in Judaism. It is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. The exact times therefore vary from week to week and from place to place, depending on the time of sunset at each location.

Origins and Biblical References

The concept of Shabbat originates from the Bible, specifically the Genesis creation narrative. According to the account, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, setting a precedent for the cycle of six days of work followed by one day of rest. The observance of Shabbat is also one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Observance

The observance of Shabbat involves a number of religious rituals and prohibitions. The most well-known of these is the prohibition on performing melacha, a term that is often translated as "work" but actually encompasses a much broader range of activities. This includes 39 categories of actions, such as lighting a fire, writing, and carrying objects in a public domain.

In addition to these prohibitions, there are also positive commandments associated with Shabbat. These include the obligation to rest, to enjoy the day, and to engage in Torah study. Many Jews also attend synagogue services on Shabbat, where the weekly portion of the Torah is read.

Shabbat Meals

Shabbat is marked by three festive meals. The first takes place on Friday night and begins with the Kiddush, a blessing over wine or grape juice. This is followed by the meal itself, which traditionally includes bread (usually challah) and other foods. The second meal takes place on Saturday afternoon, and the third, known as the Seudah Shlishit, is eaten late in the afternoon.

Havdalah

Shabbat ends with a ceremony called Havdalah, which involves blessings over wine, spices, and a multi-wicked candle. This ceremony marks the distinction between the sacred time of Shabbat and the ordinary time of the rest of the week.

See Also

• Jewish Holidays
• Jewish Rituals and Practices
• Jewish Law