“And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy”

Genesis 2:3

Weekly Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday night

In every culture and every religion one day a week is set aside as a day to prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually for the week to come. In Judaism, this is a sacred and holy day – more holy, in fact, than any other holiday or festival on the Jewish are called on to renew their faith in God, who proclaimed: “Remember the seventh day and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).

Six days a week we try to dominate the world. We labor, mentally and physically, to make our lives better. Every day is spent in an effort to improve our standard of living or increase our Knowledge. As the week progresses, the pace becomes more and more frenetic – and then comes Shabbat, a day introspection, a day on which you are to rest as if all of your work has been completed, rest even from the thought of labor.

Resources

10 Little Known Facts About Shabbat

As it’s Friday evening, our family is settling in for Shabbat, lighting candles, saying a few prayers and then gearing up to power down.

For those who aren’t Jewish, Shabbat can seem strange and mysterious, even though most religions and cultures do have some sort of week’s-end or Sabbath day or commemoration.

But, as the non-Jewish world may be wondering about how Shabbat may be similar or different than their own culture’s Sabbath, here are ten little known facts about Shabbat: 

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Best Things About Shabbat

Here are some answers to the question, “What is the best thing about Shabbat?”

It’s so much less distracting, so you can focus on what you really want to do.

The nights … they are so contemplative. 

Coming home Friday night, seeing the candles burning, singing “Shalom Aleichem,” and giving the blessings to my children. It’s so beautiful.

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About Shabbat

Shabbat is a weekly 25 hour observance that lasts from just before sundown each Friday until nightfall on Saturday.

Shabbat is one of Judaism’s most distinct practices, as well as one of its most pervasive and long lasting gifts to the Jewish people.

Shabbat is more than just a day off; it is a day of physical and spiritual delights, a day that is meant to illuminate certain fundamental concepts in the traditional Jewish perception of the world. 

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How to Braid Challah