Introduction
Worship is an important part of Jewish life and ritual, and the Day of Worship for Judaism is known as Shabbat, the Sabbath. The Day of Worship is observed from sunset on Friday evening to sunset on Saturday evening. Worship is conducted in public and private, in the home and in synagogues, although smaller communities may instead hold services in other places. Observant Jews of all denominations, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jews, observe the Day of Worship.
Biblical Roots
Judaism’s Day of Worship has its biblical roots, going back to the Bible’s telling of God’s rest after the seven days of creation. The Sabbath is a day of ceasing and desisting from labor, as specified in the Ten Commandments. On the day of worship, Jews devote themselves to their prayer, which includes reading and teaching from the Torah, the Five Books of Moses. Prayer is also done in private and congregational settings and is viewed as a form of meditation.
Shabbat Customs
Followers of Judaism observe various customs on the Day of Worship. Important Shabbat customs include the lighting of candles before sunset on Friday, kindling two lights as a remembrance of the double portion of manna that fell in the wilderness on Friday, and the arraying of the table with white cloth, bread, and two loaves of challah. Congregational services and home rituals vary, depending on the branch of Judaism. In the home, after reciting a blessing over the candles, blessings are said over the bread and the wine before the meal is eaten. Traditionally, only bread and wine are served for the meal, for these are seen as symbols of the covenant.
Kiddush Blessing
The Kiddush Blessing is an important part of the Day of Worship in Judaism. The blessing is pronounced over the cup of wine, and is a verbal reminder both of the day and of the covenant. The Kiddush blessing is seen as being essential to the observance of Shabbat, setting the day into its own special holy day, and free from the regular concerns of labor and work. Serving wine and reciting the blessing marks the Day of Worship and makes it unique.
Rules Of Conduct and Customs
Observant Jews generally abstain from labor-related activities on the Day of Worship, such as lighting fires or cooking, and in general view the day as a day to be kept holy by engaging in activities that honor God. During the day, no labor is to be done, except for those necessary works that are part of the sanctification of the day, such as cooking for that day, for preparing for the Oneg Shabbat (Sabbath meal).
Dress Code
Most Jews honor the Day of Worship by dressing more formally, wearing clothing that is more modest and appropriate for the occasion. This helps to distinguish the Day from the everyday activities and to help build a respectful atmosphere for the day. Those attending services are requested to dress in a manner that is respectful of the holiness of the day, as well as for the respect of the other people in attendance.
Conclusion Of Services
The Day of Worship ends with a specific ceremony, known as the Havdallah, which includes the blessing of the spices, fire, and goodwill. Havdallah marks the end of the Day of Worship, and emphasizes the importance of the separation of the day from workdays. When Havdallah is complete, the Day of Worship is over and it’s time to go back to work.
Musical Performance For Worship
Music is an important part of the Day of Worship, with music being used to help bridge the spiritual world and help make worship more meaningful. There are many musical compositions, either traditional or contemporary, that are an integral part of the worship service, and provide an opportunity to focus and meditate on the prayers and scriptures as they are sung.
Celebrations
Worship on the Day of Worship is often marked with celebrations and gatherings. Most Shabbat observant families gather together to celebrate by sharing meals and to pray. Celebrations may include picnics, beach trips, and outings to parks and other outdoor venues, providing an opportunity for families to share meals and take part in activities that are prohibited during the rest of the week.
Fasting
The Day of Worship is also a time for fasting and making special requests of God, so that the requests may be granted to those who observe this special day. The fast day of the 25th of Elul is known as Yom Kippur Katan, and there are also three other fast days that follow immediately after the Day of Worship: the fast of Gedaliah, the fast of Gedaliah, and the fast of the tenth of Tevet are intended to commemorate the destruction of the Temple.
Study Of Torah
Study of the Torah is another way in which Jews observe the Day of Worship. Because it is a day of rest, many synagogues and individuals dedicate a few hours of the Day of Worship to study and meditation, seeking to deepen their understanding and knowledge of the divine writings.
Talmud Study
The Talmud is the basis for Jewish law and ethics, and provides Jews with a further way to observe the Day of Worship. While the Talmud may not be read during worship services, many synagogues have special study groups to discuss various topics from the Talmud, providing Jewish leaders with a way to deepen their understanding of the faith and to bring about deeper spiritual understanding and insight.
Rituals
Rituals are also an important part of the Day of Worship for Judaism. For the more observant, this is a day to commemorate and celebrate the works of God in a special way. People may engage in various rituals of special food preparation, wash clothes before services, or light a special challah for the day. Such rituals help to instill a sense of spiritual connection and a reverence for the day.
Rest And Prayer
The Day of Worship is also a time of rest and reading, enabling one to take a break from the rigors of the week and concentrate instead on prayer, study and contemplation. The day is seen as a special kind of sanctuary, helping to distance oneself from the material world and focus instead on a spiritual world. Worshipers are asked to honor the day by fulfilling the commands, by abstaining from work and instead refocusing on God, meditation and prayer.
