The Shabbat

714 Words2 Pages

The Shabbat

The Sabbath (or Shabbat as it is called in Hebrew) is one of the best

known and least understood of all Jewish Observances. Although to

those who are not of the Jewish faith it is thought of as a day of

prayer - similar to Sunday in Christianity - to observant Jews it is a

lot more. It is considered a gift from God that is looked forward to

throughout the week.

'In the beginning….. And on the seventh day God finished the work

which He had been doing and He ceased on the seventh day from all the

work which He had done. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified

it, because on it God ceased from all the work of creation which He

had done. (Genesis 2:1-3)

This is, in a way, the first Shabbat. Jews believe God wants them to

keep one day holy the way he did when he stopped creating. Jews

observe this by taking one day a week to rest, pray and stop working

and celebrate it as a gift from God. The name 'Shabbat' comes from the

root 'shin-bet-tav' which means to cease, rest or to end.

How do they prepare for Shabbat?

Shabbat starts when the sun sets on Friday night and ends when the sun

sets on the Saturday. Therefore everything MUST be prepared before the

sunset so no work has to be done on the Shabbat. They must ensure all

food is made, which has to last for the Friday evening meal and

Saturday lunch, all candles are lit so no switches have to be flicked

on the Shabbat and everything else is done before the sunset.

Friday Evening

In ancient times in Israel Shabbat was announced on the Friday evening

by blowing the 'Shofar' six times.

More about The Shabbat

Open Document