Definition and History
The Sabbath, known in Hebrew as Shabbat, is a holy day of rest observed by adherents to the Jewish faith around the world. In the Torah, it is described as “a day of peace, an invitation to the sacred, an oasis in time”. The Sabbath is so important to Jews, it is actually the fourth “pillar” or “foundation” of Jewish practice, following the laws of kashrut (dietary laws), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity).1 According to Talmudic tradition, the Sabbath was established on the seventh day of creation when God rested from his labors.
The Sabbath has its own set of laws and commandments which are intended to help one remember the true reason for its observance. These include prohibitions against working, trading and even engaging in certain kinds of pleasure. The text of the Torah also speaks of honoring the Sabbath day with prayer, song and joy.
In the traditional Jewish calendar, the seventh day of the week, (Saturday) is known as the Sabbath Day and begins precisely at sunset on Friday night. Depending on location, this time can vary by as much as an hour, in which case the start of the Sabbath Day would be adjusted accordingly.2
Purpose of the Sabbath
The primary purpose of the Sabbath is to create a sense of holiness and sanctity in the life of the Jew. In the Hebrew Bible, the Sabbath is described as “a day of rest” and a “sign” between Yahweh and His people. The text commands people to keep the Sabbath day holy, and to rest “from all of one’s work”. On this day, it is said that one should refocus on the sacred and the spiritual, rather than on the mundane and material.
This idea of a “day of rest” is a reoccurring theme throughout history and various cultures. For the Jews, the Sabbath is a sacred day set aside to honor God and to reflect upon Him and His creation. The idea is that on this special day, one should slow down and rest from their labors and spend at least a few hours in contemplation and worship.3
How to Observe the Sabbath
The Sabbath is an extremely important aspect of Jewish life and is observed in a variety of ways. One of the most primary ways in which observance of the Sabbath is practiced is through refraining from engaging in activities that are prohibited by the laws of Shabbat. These activities include things like lighting fires, traveling, plowing, harvesting, and carrying items from a public domain to a private domain.
In addition to refraining from prohibited activities, the Sabbath day is meant to be a day of rest and joy. Jews are encouraged to engage in communal prayer, study of the Scriptures, and joyous celebrations. Additionally, the Sabbath can be seen as an opportunity to connect with friends and family and to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.4
The Purpose of Observance
The observance of the Sabbath is more than just a set of rules and regulations; it has a much deeper purpose. That purpose is to remind us of the Creator and His goodness and to show us that He values us and our “sabbath rest”. It is also a reminder of the covenants God made with His people, the Children of Israel, and their special relationship with Him.
The Sabbath is a day of holiness and reverence, intended to remove us from the routine of work and business and bring us back to our spiritual purpose in life. This is why the laws of the Sabbath are so strict; to ensure that we remember that there is a higher purpose in life than simply our everyday “tasks”.5
Sabbath Blessings
One of the most poignant rituals surrounding the Sabbath is the blessing known as the Havdalah. This blessing is said at the end of the Sabbath and is intended to usher grace and peace into the coming week. This blessing is said after the candles are extinguished, and marks the end of the Sabbath day.
The Havadalah is said by chanting three Biblical verses. The first verse is from the Book of Psalms, and speaks of God’s everlasting grace. The second verse is from the Book of Exodus, and speaks of God’s protection during the coming week. The third verse is said in a softer tone, asking for blessing and peace for the week. This marks the end of the Sabbath and the start of the coming week.6
Modern Celebrations
Modern manifestations of the Sabbath can look different, depending on where and how one is observing. There are many ways in which people from a variety of backgrounds and faiths can observe the Sabbath. For Jews, the Sabbath is still a sacred day. Many congregations will have special services or other events for the Sabbath. There are also informal “Sabbath suppers” in homes or public places, where people will gather to celebrate the start of the Sabbath and observe its laws.
For those of other faiths and even those of no faith, the Sabbath can still be a valuable part of their lives. It can be a time to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and just relax and enjoy some time away. It can also serve as an opportunity to connect with friends, family, and the divine. By being aware of the importance of the Sabbath and taking time out to rest and reflect, we can all be enriched and ultimately bring peace and balance to our lives.7
Final Thoughts
The Sabbath is an important part of Jewish tradition and it is one of the most enduring in the history of our species. Its importance mixed with its beauty and holiness give us the opportunity to remember the value of rest and to take the time out of our busy lives to focus on the divine. By engaging in its laws and honoring the traditions of our ancestors, we can once again reconnect to the Sacred and make our lives a little better in the process.
Practices of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is a singular day of the week in which adherents to the Jewish faith can observe holidays and ceremonies in peace, with no distractions. On the Sabbath day, the faithful are expected to adhere to the laws of Shabbat, which require them to refrain from all forms of labor and to instead focus on the spiritual world. Furthermore, the Sabbath day is marked by additional rituals and ceremonies such as Kabbalat Shabbat, a type of prayer service that welcomes the Sabbath into a person’s life, as well as Havdalah, a ceremony that marks the end of the Sabbath.
In addition to these rules and rituals, the Sabbath is a day when Jews can celebrate the joys of life, indulge in spiritual pleasures and engage in acts of charity. Furthermore, it is a day of rest, which is just what the Lord had intended when He said, “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.”
This is why many Jews take part in specific activities that are reserved specifically for the Sabbath, such as playing music and singing songs, attending synagogue services, gathering with friends and family, and indulging in festive meals. Such activities create a unique atmosphere in which people can come together and reconnect with the ancient stories and spiritual practices that are the basis of the Jewish faith. Moreover, it is a day of relaxation and prayer; a day where one is encouraged to focus less on worldly matters and more on reconnecting with the divine.8
Sabbath Traditions
One of the most important and meaningful aspects of the Sabbath is its traditions. These are often passed down from generation to generation and serve as special reminders of the joy and importance of the day. For instance, many families will light two candles at the onset of the Sabbath, as it is a symbol of love and hope. Additionally, some families choose to recite a blessing over a cup of wine to mark the start of the day –a tradition that is known as Kiddush.
Another traditional activity that is seen on the Sabbath is the reading of a special prayer book, known as a Siddur. This book contains all of the blessings and prayers that are associated with the Sabbath and can be used as a helpful guide throughout the course of the day.
Additionally, many communities observe the customs of “shalom bayit”, a time when family members come together to eat a meal, catch up and even have a dance. These activities create a space where a person can appreciate the beauty of the world and give thanks for all of their blessings. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to connect and bond with loved ones and to engage in meaningful conversations and activities.9
Conclusion of the Sabbath Day
The Sabbath day officially ends when the Havdalah is said and the stars come out. This is the time when Jews acknowledge the divine presence within their lives and express gratitude for the spiritual gifts they have been bestowed with.
At the end of the Sabbath, many Jews offer up a special prayer known as the Shema, which is a declaration of faithfulness to God and his commandments. This prayer is meant to bring an end to the day and provide assurance that one is committed to honoring the Lord and his laws.
Afterwards, individuals may offer up individual prayers to the divine, or partake in activities of religious study and contemplation. Such activities may include praying with friends, reading the Scriptures, going to synagogue services, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with others. Ultimately, the end of the Sabbath is an opportunity to reconnect with God and to thank Him for the gifts of love and peace.10
1Magid, Shaul. “Welcoming the Sabbath Bride.” My Jewish Learning, https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shabbat-observance/.
2Davis, Lauren. “When Does the Sabbath Start and End?” 17 May 2018, https://www.thoughtco.com/when-does-the-sabbath-start-and-end-1991464.
3Roth, Judah. “The Biblical Sabbath – Definition and History of the Sabbath Day.” 6 June 2019, https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2228880/jewish/The-Biblical-Sabbath.htm
4Ungar, Elie. “Observing the Sabbath: A Guide.” Chabad.org, https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/689095/jewish/Observing-the-Sabbath-A-Guide.htm
5Tull, John. “The Purpose of Observing the Sabbath.” My Jewish Learning, https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-purpose-of-observing-the-sabbath/
6Raizman, Rivka. “What Is Havdalah?” Chabad.org, https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1727889/jewish/What-Is-Havdal
