Shabbat

Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the Jewish day of rest, observed from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. It is one of the Ten Commandments: “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Shabbat recalls the story of creation when “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (Genesis 2:3).

Shabbat is not only a day of physical rest but also a time to focus on God, family, and community.

Shabbat in the Synagogue

Many Jews mark Shabbat by attending synagogue services. This allows the whole community to come together in worship. The presence of the rabbi provides leadership and authority, while services include:

• the reading of scripture from the Torah,

• a sermon,

• blessings and prayers.

The minyan requirement (ten Jewish men in Orthodox tradition, ten Jewish adults in Reform) can be fulfilled, meaning that certain prayers can be said.

Symbolic actions are important:

• Standing when the Torah scroll is read.

• Covering and parading the Torah scroll around the synagogue.

• Jews may touch the Torah with their prayer book or tallit fringes, recalling Ezekiel’s vision: “Eat this scroll I am giving you… So I ate it and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” (Ezekiel 3:3).

This shows the Torah as a source of spiritual nourishment.

Shabbat in the Home

Shabbat is also celebrated at home, where family and tradition are central. On Friday evening, candles are lit, blessings are said, and a special meal is shared. This meal includes the Kiddush (a blessing over wine) thanking God for Shabbat, and often challah bread.

Families recall stories from scripture, sing songs, pray, and study Torah together. Shabbat is described in Jewish tradition as being welcomed like a bride meeting her husband, showing joy and holiness.

The home celebration ensures that every family member participates, making Shabbat both a religious and a communalexperience.

Significance of Shabbat

• Shabbat is a perpetual covenant: “The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath… for a perpetual covenant”(Exodus 31:16).

• It is an act of obedience to God’s commandments.

• It links Jews to creation and to their history as God’s chosen people.

• It strengthens family and community bonds.

• It reminds Jews that life should not only focus on work, but on spiritual growth and God.

Sources of Authority

• “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).

• “For six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth, and on the seventh day He ceased from work and rested” (Exodus 20:11).

• “And the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath… for a perpetual covenant” (Exodus 31:16).

• “Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy as your God Adonai has commanded you.” (Deuteronomy 5:12).

• “Eat this scroll… it tasted as sweet as honey.” (Ezekiel 3:3).