Shabbat, also known as the Jewish Sabbath, is a sacred day of rest and worship in Judaism observed from Friday evening until Saturday evening. The word "Shabbat" means "to rest." It commemorates the day God rested after creating the world in six days, as described in the Book of Genesis. The observance of Shabbat is one of the Ten Commandments and is central to Jewish identity and tradition. Shabbat begins just before sunset on Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday. It is welcomed with candle lighting, prayers, and festive meals including challah bread. Throughout Shabbat, work and certain activities are refrained from to honor the day of rest, allowing time for spiritual reflection, family, and community. It serves as a reminder of creation and the Exodus from Egypt, symbolizing rest, renewal, and sanctity of time. The day includes rituals such as blessings over wine and bread, three festive meals, and ends with a ceremony called Havdalah that marks the separation between Shabbat and the rest of the week. Shabbat is a profoundly joyful and peaceful time, emphasizing rest, spiritual delight, and connection with God and others. In essence, Shabbat is a weekly 25-hour time set aside for rest, prayer, family, and rejuvenation, deeply rooted in Jewish faith and tradition. It is considered the most important ritual in Judaism, often said to have "kept the Jewish people" through centuries.
