what is shabbat

Shabbat, also known as the Sabbath, is the seventh day of the Jewish week and a day of rest and celebration that begins on Friday before sunset and ends on Saturday night. It is a festive day when Jews are free from the regular labors of everyday life, offering an opportunity to contemplate the spiritual aspects of life and spend time with family. Shabbat is a significant ritual observance in Judaism, involving activities such as reading, studying, and discussing Torah, attending synagogue for prayers, and socializing with family and friends. It is also marked by a ritual called Havdalah, which separates Shabbat from the rest of the week. The word "Shabbat" comes from the Hebrew root meaning to cease, to end, or to rest, reflecting the day of rest and spiritual enrichment it represents