What Shabbat is about..
Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until a few minutes after the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. The exact times, therefore, differ from week to week and from place to place, depending on the time of sunset at each location.
On Shabbat Jews recall the Biblical Creation account in Genesis, describing God creating the Heavens and the Earth in six days and resting on the seventh. It also recalls the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, when God commanded the Israelite nation to observe the seventh day and keep it holy.
On Shabbat Jews recall the Biblical Creation account in Genesis, describing God creating the Heavens and the Earth in six days and resting on the seventh. It also recalls the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, when God commanded the Israelite nation to observe the seventh day and keep it holy.
Shabbat is considered a festive day, when a Jew is freed from the regular labors of everyday life, can contemplate the spiritual aspects of life, and can spend time with family. Traditionally, three festive meals are eaten: on Friday night, Saturday morning, and late Saturday afternoon. The day is also noted for those activities prohibited on Shabbat according to Jewish law. It is expected that Jews do not by any extent do work on this holy day. This includes for modern times sake driving, turning on or off a light switch, or watching or using any electronic devices.
Shabbat rituals
Many Jews attend synagogue services on Shabbat even if they do not do so during the week. Services are held on Shabbat eve (Friday night), Shabbat morning (Saturday morning), and late Shabbat afternoon (Saturday afternoon).
Jews are asked to observe (refrain from forbidden activity) and remember(with words, thoughts, and actions) the Shabbat, and these two actions are symbolized by the two Shabbat candles which are lit 18 to 40 minutes before the onset of Shabbat by Jewish women, usually the mother/wife.It is customary to light two candles, although some families light more.
These are the positive commandments that one must obey on the Shabbat.
Honouring Shabbat (kavod Shabbat): Preparing for the upcoming Shabbat by bathing, having a haircut, and cleaning and beautifying
the home (with flowers, for example). On Shabbat itself, wearing festive clothing and refraining from unpleasant conversation. It is customary to avoid talk about money or business matters on Shabbat.
Recitation of Kiddush over a cup of wine at the beginning of the first and second Shabbat meals.
Eating three festive meals. Meals begin with a blessing over two loaves of bread, usually a braided Challah. It is customary to serve
meat or fish, and sometimes both, for the Shabbat evening and morning meals. The third meal, eaten late Shabbat afternoon, is called Seudah Shlishit (literally, "Third Meal"). This is generally a light meal.
Enjoying Shabbat : Engaging in pleasurable activities such as eating, singing, and spending time with the family.
Recitation of Havdalah at the conclusion of Shabbat at nightfall (over a cup of wine, and with the use of fragrant spices and a candle).
Jews are asked to observe (refrain from forbidden activity) and remember(with words, thoughts, and actions) the Shabbat, and these two actions are symbolized by the two Shabbat candles which are lit 18 to 40 minutes before the onset of Shabbat by Jewish women, usually the mother/wife.It is customary to light two candles, although some families light more.
These are the positive commandments that one must obey on the Shabbat.
Honouring Shabbat (kavod Shabbat): Preparing for the upcoming Shabbat by bathing, having a haircut, and cleaning and beautifying
the home (with flowers, for example). On Shabbat itself, wearing festive clothing and refraining from unpleasant conversation. It is customary to avoid talk about money or business matters on Shabbat.
Recitation of Kiddush over a cup of wine at the beginning of the first and second Shabbat meals.
Eating three festive meals. Meals begin with a blessing over two loaves of bread, usually a braided Challah. It is customary to serve
meat or fish, and sometimes both, for the Shabbat evening and morning meals. The third meal, eaten late Shabbat afternoon, is called Seudah Shlishit (literally, "Third Meal"). This is generally a light meal.
Enjoying Shabbat : Engaging in pleasurable activities such as eating, singing, and spending time with the family.
Recitation of Havdalah at the conclusion of Shabbat at nightfall (over a cup of wine, and with the use of fragrant spices and a candle).