Why is Shabbat celebrated?

Shabbat (the Sabbath) is one of the most important parts of Jewish life. It begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. Jews believe that Shabbat is a holy gift from God, a time of rest, peace and spiritual renewal.

The command to keep Shabbat comes directly from the Ten Commandments.

Jews rest on Shabbat because the Torah teaches that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2). By observing Shabbat, Jews imitate God’s rest and recognise God as the creator of the universe.

Shabbat is also described as a sign of the eternal covenant between God and the Jewish people

For this reason, Shabbat is not simply a day off—it is a sacred time that strengthens Jewish identity and brings families and communities together.

How is Shabbat celebrated in the synagogue?

Many Jewish families welcome Shabbat by attending synagogue services on Friday night and Saturday morning. Worship in the synagogue brings the whole community together and helps fulfil the requirement for a minyan (a group of ten adult Jews needed for certain prayers).

The Torah

During the service, the Torah scroll is treated with deep respect. It is taken out of the Ark, paraded around the synagogue, and Jews often touch it with their prayer book or the fringes of their tallit.

A portion of the Torah is read aloud. Jews across the world read the same passage each week, highlighting Jewish unity.

Other readings

A reading from the Nevi’im (Prophets) is also included. The rabbi may give a sermon to explain the texts and offer moral guidance. Blessings and prayers are recited, making the synagogue service a central part of Shabbat spirituality.

How is Shabbat celebrated in the home?

Friday evening

While the synagogue is important, the home is considered the heart of Shabbat. Jewish families prepare before sunset on Friday. All cooking is completed beforehand, and the table is set beautifully with at least two candles, symbolising the commandments to “remember” and “observe” Shabbat.

Just before sunset, a woman of the household - often the mother - lights the Shabbat candles. She waves her hands over the flames, covers her eyes, and recites a blessing asking God to bring peace and holiness to the home. This marks the moment Shabbat begins.

Kiddush

At the start of the meal, the Kiddush blessing is recited over a cup of wine or grape juice, thanking God for Shabbat. Two loaves of challah bread are placed on the table, reminding Jews of the double portion of manna God provided in the wilderness before Shabbat. Everyone washes their hands to symbolise purification, and then the head of the household blesses the bread, which is shared by all.

Family time

The Shabbat meal is a joyful family celebration. It often includes songs, stories from the Torah, and quality time together. This creates a peaceful atmosphere, free from the rush of everyday life. After the meal, a blessing called birkat ha-mazon is said to thank God for the food.

Saturday

Shabbat continues on Saturday with another festive meal after the morning synagogue service. The afternoon may be spent resting, studying Torah, or enjoying time together as a family.

The close of Shabbat

Shabbat ends with the Havdalah ceremony when three stars appear in the sky. Blessings are said over wine, a container of sweet-smelling spices (to “carry the sweetness of Shabbat into the week”), and a braided candle with several wicks. The ceremony ends with the words “Shavua tov”—“Have a good week.”