Shabbat is a day of rest in Judaism. In Genesis, God created the heavens and Earth in six days and rested upon the seventh. This practice, which is both a joyous and a restrictive occasion, can be observed in a very wide range of ways.
“Shabbat is the way into Judaism, into community, ritual and prayer, but especially community,” said Judith Shulevitz, author of “The Sabbath World” (Random House). “The essence of Shabbat is complicated. It’s a day when values and ideas get transmitted from one generation to the next.”
PREPARATION
Much of the prep work for Shabbat – such as grocery shopping or cleaning the home – can be done on Thursday. Because Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday, many Jews leave work early to ensure that everything is finished in time. Cooking is prohibited on Shabbat, so food must be made in advance. Other preparation includes bathing and dressing up, setting timers so lights don’t have to be switched on or off and putting away muktzeh (that which is set aside), like cell phones and money, so the items are not used unnecessarily.
FRIDAY EVENING
Shortly before sunset, at least two Shabbat candles are lit by the woman of the house. The two candles represent two commandments, zachor (to remember) and shamor (to observe).
If there is a synagogue within walking distance, families can walk to a brief evening service. Although many Jewish families drive on Shabbat, it is considered against halachah (Jewish law).
Back at home after the service, the man of the house recites Kiddush over wine to sanctify Shabbat, and then another prayer, Hamotzi, is recited over bread, usually challah.
Shabbat dinner is an opportunity to reconnect with family. Shulevitz said that Shabbat “makes family possible. It has an enormous effect on family.”
SATURDAY
The morning starts off with another service, followed by another Kiddush and lunch. The time after lunch is often spent visiting, studying, napping, playing games or pursuing other leisure activities.
Shabbat ends at nightfall, about 40 minutes after sunset, when three stars are visible.
Havdalah (separation) is a ritual that marks the end of Shabbat. Blessings are recited over wine, fragrant spices and a special braided Havdalah candle. The final blessing separates Shabbat from the rest of the week. A little of the wine is used to extinguish the candle’s flame and to mark the end of Shabbat.
RANGE OF PRACTICE
There are 39 categories of melachot (prohibited actions), including carrying, building, burning and washing. Among Reform and Reconstructionist Jews, families decide what prohibitions they will adhere to.
The word “Shabbat” comes from the Hebrew verb shavat (to cease) – in this case, work. Some families use Shabbat as a reason to gather around a dinner table to catch up and relax from the week while a shomer Shabbat family will follow all rules concerning Shabbat.
