Shabbat - what is it? Jewish Shabbat. What do Jewish families do on Shabbat? Jewish holiday on Sunday
On almost every tour of Jerusalem, they ask me: "Tanya, what is Shabbat?" Sometimes they offer their own options, very erroneous. Sometimes they even draw an analogy with the Sabbath. Therefore, I decided to write on this topic for those who are going to come to Israel.
Shabbat is the seventh day of the week, which is essentially a Jewish holiday. Already the day before Shabbat, Jews begin to wish each other "Shabbat Shalom" that is, "peaceful Sabbath" or "Hello Saturday." The main rule of Saturday (Shabbat) is that a person should not work. Isn't it a wonderful condition. But everything is not so simple, because the Jews call work on Shabbat something that you may not associate with it at all. For example, write (although you can read, but religious literature), or hang clothes, or turn on / off the light, you can’t even tie your shoelaces. It's easier to say what can be done. But what is possible is quite enough for a Jew, since this day must be dedicated to God and family. You might think it's impossible to have a family day if you can't humanly cook and take the kids to the amusement park? But, it turns out, much more important for the family: love, communication and attention. And there are all conditions for this on Shabbat.
Jews celebrate Shabbat with a Shabbat meal. A woman lights candles, a husband reads a blessing on Shabbat, Shabbat wine (similar to Cahors) or grape juice is poured, challah is broken - a special bread for Shabbat. The whole family sits around the table and meets Shabbat - they communicate, eat, sing songs. Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends on Saturday, also at sunset. For a Jew who observes traditions, Shabbat is a Holy day, so he is not only met, but also seen off. The ceremony is called "Avdala" from the word "separate" - you need to separate the holy day from everyday life. 
Shabbat for a Jew is one of the ten main commandments received by Moses on Mount Sinai (we read the Bible), which must be fulfilled. In Israel, the tradition is very strong and many Jews keep the Sabbath.
Shabbat has a powerful philosophical, spiritual background. There are many interpretations of the meaning of Shabbat. But the basics are:
The Bible says that the Lord created everything for 6 days, and on the seventh day he rested from the process of creation. "And on the seventh day God finished His works which He did, and rested ( Shabbat) on the seventh day from all his works that he did. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, for in it he rested from all his works, which God created and created"(Gen.)
So he bequeathed to the Jews: Say to the children of Israel thus: Keep my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you; and keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you: whoever defiles it, let him be put to death; whoever begins to do business in it, that soul must be destroyed from among his people; six days let them do their deeds, and on the seventh a Sabbath of rest dedicated to the Lord."(Ex.)
And to this day, Jews try to the best of their ability and desire to keep Holy Saturday. This means that a tourist arriving in Israel and, for example, who wants to go on an excursion in Jerusalem with or without a guide in Jerusalem, must take into account several points.
1. Already on Friday, late in the evening, most of the establishments in the city begin to close: shops, restaurants, many museums. They will open either at the end of Saturday (evening) or the next day (Sunday).
2. Public transport does not work on Shabbat, so you need to take this into account when planning your day. If you are not staying in Jerusalem and want to come on a tour of Jerusalem on Friday, then plan the first half of the day to catch the last bus before the start of Shabbat or come with your own transport (as an option, on a sightseeing transfer). If you have a tour in Jerusalem scheduled for Saturday, either count on a taxi, or book a tour with a transfer (convenient, not cheap), or rent a car the day before and drive it.
3. Shabbat elevator. It is very funny to listen to the perplexed tourists who, unknowingly, took advantage of such an elevator. The fact is that in order not to press the elevator button on Shabbat (not to violate the commandment - do not work and do not light a fire), elevators were created that move independently on Shabbat, constantly stopping at each floor. There are such elevators in many Israeli hotels and tourists sometimes start to panic when they get into it. So: do not panic - the elevator will take you to the desired floor, but it will take more time than usual. By the way, as a rule, there is an ordinary elevator in the hotel, for tourists - not Jews.
4. And, of course, if you are lucky enough to go on an excursion to Jerusalem on Friday or Saturday, then be sure to visit the Wailing Wall (Western Wall). You will get a special, unforgettable experience if you are there on the eve of Shabbat, hours at 4 - 6 in the afternoon, on Friday.
The Jews have a weekly holiday which is celebrated every Friday at sunset. It is called "Shabbat Shalom", which means "Hello Saturday." Every Jew reveres the sixth day of the week, which reminds him of his spiritual purpose in life. Let's find out, Shabbat - what kind of holiday it is and how it is celebrated in Israel.
Shabbat - the seventh day of creation
According to the Pentateuch, the Sabbath was given by God at the end of the sixth day when man was created:
“And on the seventh day God finished His works which He did, and rested (Shabbat) on the seventh day from all His works which He did. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, for in it he rested from all his works, which God created and created (Gen. 2:2-3) ”
Earlier God blessed the fish, animals and birds he created (Gen. 1:22), then man and the Sabbath. In addition, according to the Torah, he sanctified the Sabbath. In Scripture, this is the only example of the simultaneous blessing and sanctification of something.
Shabbat - the union of the Jewish people with God
According to the Pentateuch, the Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel:
“This is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever, because in six days the Lord created heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and rested (Ex. 31:17).”
The Sabbath is the sign of the covenant (that is, the symbol of the union) between God and the people of Israel. It is said in the Torah: “Keep My Sabbaths, for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; so that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Ex. 31:13). It is said in the Sabbath Prayers: "And You did not give the Sabbath to the peoples of the world and You did not give it to idolaters, but only to Israel - Your people whom You have chosen."
How did keeping the laws of Shabbat help the Jewish people survive?
The well-known Kabbalist Yehuda Alevi (author of The Kuzari) said that, thanks to the laws of the Sabbath, the Jewish people were able to survive through many centuries of exile and persecution. He explained that when a person is saturated with the light of the Sabbath, even in the most difficult circumstances, faith in God does not leave him. The Sabbath reminds every Jew of his identity, because the observance of its rites distinguishes this people from others.
Saturday is a family holiday. It strengthens relationships between spouses, children and the older generation. On this day, the whole family gathers at the festive table, sing songs, go to the synagogue. There is a space when a person can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and think about his destiny.
Shabbat in a Jewish home
A God-fearing Jew does not travel anywhere on the Sabbath, does not cook, does not use electrical appliances, does not spend money, does not smoke or write. On this day, he is indifferent to the achievements of technology. The radio is silent, the TV screen is off.
Sports games, the circus, theatrical performances, the freeway are not for him.
On the eve of the holiday
When Jews Can't Work
Non-working days for Jews
Jews are completely forbidden to work:
- on Shabbat (Saturday);
- Yom Kippur
Jews are forbidden any work except cooking:
- on the holidays of Pesach, Rosh Hashanah, Shavuot, Sukkot, Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret, which are mentioned in the Torah;
It is highly undesirable for Jews to work, but you can:
- on the holidays of Purim and Hanukkah, which have the status of commandments established by the prophets and sages of Israel;
It is not desirable for Jews to work, but it is possible:
- on the intermediate days (Chol ha-moed Pesach) of the Passover holiday;
Jews are not forbidden to work:
- on the holidays of Tu Bishvat (New Year of Trees) and Lag B'Omer, which do not have the status of a commandment
Non-working days in Israel are called yom tov.
Passover lasts 7 days in Israel, outside Israel in the Diaspora - 8 days. Of these, non-working days for Jews in Israel (yom tov) are the first and last days (Nisan 15 and 21), outside Israel in the Diaspora - the first 2 and last 2 days (Nisan 15.16 and 20, 21)
On Hol hamoed Pesach in Israel) - it is undesirable to work on the 16th-20th day of the month of Nisan, but it is possible. These days should be used for spiritual work corresponding to a particular holiday.
On Shavuot in Israel they do not work for one day (6 Sivan), outside Israel in the Diaspora - two days (6 and 7 Sivan)
On Rosh Hashanah both in Israel and outside of Israel in the Diaspora they do not work for two days (1 and 2 Tishri)
On Yom Kippur and in Israel and outside of Israel in the Diaspora they do not work one day (10 Tishri)
The holiday of Sukkot continues in Israel and outside of Israel in the Diaspora - 7 days. Of these, non-working in Israel - the first day (Tishrei 15), outside Israel in the Diaspora - the first two days (Tishrei 15 and 16)
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah is celebrated on the same day in Israel (22 Tishri). Outside of Israel in the Diaspora, this is two days (on the first, Shemini Atzeret is celebrated, on the second, Simchat Torah) - (Tishrei 22 and 23)
On Purim (Adar 14) it is better not to work. But if circumstances do not allow, then it is possible. In principle, this is allowed, since Purim is not included in Yom Tov.
Yom tov does not include all eight days of Hanukkah (25 Kislev - 2 Tevet). Therefore, on all these days, Jews can work without any restrictions. The exception is Saturday, which falls on one of the days of Chanukah.
On Tu Bishvat, the New Year for Trees - on the 15th day of the month of Shevat, Jews are not forbidden to work
On Lag B'Omer - the 18th day of the month of Iyar, Jews are not forbidden to work
2018-02-09T16:13:47+00:00 konsulmir Israel Holidays and weekendsHolidays and weekends in IsraelJews are prohibited from any kind of work, It is highly undesirable for Jews to work, It is not desirable for Jews to work, Jews are not forbidden to work, Jews are not recommended to work, Jews are completely forbidden to work, Jews are allowed to work, Israel, Yom Kippur, When Jews are not allowed to work, except for cooking, Lag Baomer, Non-working days for the Jews, but you can, New Year for trees, Passover, Fasting on the 9th of Av, Holidays and weekends, Holidays and weekends in Israel, Holidays and weekends in Israel in 2018, Purim, Rosh Hashanah, Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret, Sukkot, Tu B'Shvat, Hanukkah, Chol HaMoed Pesach, Shabbat (Saturday), ShavuotWhen Jews are not allowed to work Non-working days for Jews Jews are completely forbidden to work: - on Shabbat (Saturday); - on Yom Kippur; Jews are prohibited from any work, except for cooking: - on the holidays of Pesach, Rosh-ha-Shana, Shavuot, Sukkot, Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret, which are mentioned in the Torah; It is extremely undesirable for Jews to work, but it is possible: - in the post of the 9th of Av; Jews are not recommended to work...konsulmirThe Jews have a weekly holiday which is celebrated every Friday at sunset. It is called "Shabbat Shalom", which means "Hello Saturday." Every Jew reveres the sixth day of the week, which reminds him of his spiritual purpose in life. Let's find out, Shabbat - what kind of holiday it is and how it is celebrated in Israel.
"Peaceful Saturday"
Shabbat Shalom is a festive Friday dinner dedicated to the Sabbath. Why is this particular day of the week considered holy for Jews? Because it is one of the foundations of the unity of the Jewish people. This holy day reminds the Jews that they were once slaves in Egypt. But later, the Almighty brought the people out of there so that they could receive the Torah at Sinai. Saturday is a symbol of the Jews' exit from physical slavery and their gaining spiritual freedom. The celebration of the Sabbath is also a direct fulfillment by the Jews of God's 4th commandment: " Remember Saturday night to keep it holy. Work 6 days, and dedicate the 7th day to your Almighty ...» For a religious Jew, Sabbath is a very important day of rest. What is this holiday for Israel? It can be said that Israel “stands” on Shabbat. On Saturday, clinics, government agencies and most shops are closed in the country. Public transport does not run through the streets of Israel from 15.00 (winter) and from 16.00 (summer) every Friday. People can get to the place only by taxis, which operate at higher (Saturday) rates.
How is the holiday celebrated?
The Jewish Sabbath existed even in ancient Egypt. Jews in Egyptian slavery were allowed to rest on the Sabbath. All thanks to Moshe. He grew up in the family of a pharaoh. For several years, Moshe watched the exhausting work of his brethren. He felt sorry for them, and he turned to the pharaoh with a request to give the slaves a day of rest a week. And the pharaoh agreed. Therefore, Shabbat reminds the Jews not only of the 4th commandment of the Almighty, but also of the exodus from Egyptian slavery. Preparation for the holiday begins on Friday. In the evening, the whole family gathers for a festive meal. Shabbat lasts a day: from sunset on Friday to the same time on Saturday (a feature of Jewish holidays). A woman is preparing for the holiday; she also lights candles before "Peaceful Saturday".
On the eve of the holiday
The main holiday in Israel is Shabbat. What is it, we managed to find out. Let's find out how the Jews are preparing for "Peaceful Saturday". In Israel, a woman is called "the light of the house." She has an important role to play in the preparation for Shabbat. The Jews have a centuries-old tradition - to bake for the great holiday of challah. A woman baking festive bread with her own hands performs one of the sacred mitzvahs. Preparation for the holiday begins on Friday morning. The woman begins to prepare challah and various dishes for the table. At the same time, she tastes every cooked dish. But she must do this correctly: not to spit out food, but to swallow food, pronouncing Brahi. The festive table must be covered with a tablecloth until the end of the holiday (preferably white). Before Shabbat, every man and every woman takes a bath or shower. If there is little time left before the holiday, then only hands and face are allowed to be washed with water.
lighting candles
This sacred rite is performed by Jewish women. on Shabbat is performed with special care and devotion. This ritual brings peace and harmony to Jewish homes. Women who celebrate the holiday at home usually light 2 candles directly on the festive table or not far from it. Sometimes they are used instead. The fact that the mistress of the house lit candles does not yet mean the beginning of Shabbat for the household. They can go about their normal business. But a woman from this moment has no right to do work and eat food before sunset. Candles must be lit no later than 18 minutes before sunset. They cannot be moved from place to place. For Shabbat, long candles are purchased so that they can last until the end of the festive meal.
Saturday meal
This is one of the highlights of the holiday. The family gathers at the Friday table, on which candles are already burning. Households and guests should sit down at the festive table in a good mood, forgetting about the problems of everyday life and anxiety. Before starting a meal, Jews sing "Shalom Aleichem", make Kiddush and wash their hands. Shabbat is coming. Its start time is sunset on Friday. The whole family starts the meal, which should consist of the best food: fish, meat and various delicacies. 2 challah is served on the table when Shabbat comes. What is it and why is it eaten double? Challah is a white bread that a Jewish woman prepares for the "Peaceful Sabbath". 2 servings of festive bread are placed on the table in memory of the heavenly manna, which the Almighty gave to the Jews when they returned from Egypt through the desert. On that day, God gave the people twice as much heavenly bread. Manna is heavenly bread. On Shabbat, it is associated with challah. During the festive meal, Jews sing Shabbat songs. It is believed that during Shabbat, an atmosphere of joy and peace should reign in the house. Everyone who gathered at the festive table discusses the events of the current week or tells interesting stories from life.
Shalom!
Jews greet each other by saying the word "shalom". Translated, it means "perfection". Therefore, “shalom” is an external manifestation of the best internal quality and state of a person. Perfection here is not associated with physical parameters, but personifies a spiritual state. Therefore, when they meet, Jews say “Shalom!”, thereby wishing each other spiritual perfection. The same word is used in parting. It is easy to guess why Saturday has such a name - "Shabbat Shalom!". Jews say that "Peaceful Sabbath" is a majestic holiday that Israel can be proud of. Shabbat helps the Jewish people realize that there are higher values in life than earthly goods and the desire for material gain. Shabbat teaches us to live for eternity and holiness. And those who honor the Sabbath will be rewarded according to their deserts. " More than the Jews kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath kept the Jews».
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Shabbat, or Shabbat (Hebrew:שַׁבָּת) - the seventh day of creation, it is also the seventh day of the week, the Jewish Sabbath. In Judaism, Shabbat is a holy day that is commanded to honor and observe as a sign that Gd created this world for seven days, and rested on the seventh. The very word "Shabbat" / "Shabbat" comes from the Hebrew root verb "lisboah" and means "rested", "stopped activities", which has a common root with "sheva"- "seven" (hence, for example, "shweet"- the commandment to observe the seventh, "Sabbath" year). Traditionally, Shabbat is a day of rest, a day of Sabbath rest: on Shabbat, it is forbidden to perform 39 types of activities (the so-called 39 types of work). Jews celebrate Shabbat as a holiday: they celebrate Shabbat by lighting candles, arrange meals with Shabbat songs, devote Shabbat to spiritual growth, study the Torah, spend time with family and close friends, certainly wishing each other "Shabbat Shalom!" (traditional Shabbat greeting, wish for peace on Shabbat) or "Gut Shabes!" (in Yiddish - "Have a nice Saturday!"). Observance of the Sabbath is considered one of the basic commandments of Judaism: observing Shabbat and moving away from work on this day, a Jew proclaims the belief that Gd is the Creator of the world, who controls all processes in it.
SATURDAY - Shabbat, the seventh day of the week
Saturday, the seventh day of the week, the day of rest ... In Hebrew, all days are called by the number of their removal from Saturday - the first, second, etc., but only one day has its own name - Saturday.
According to the Torah, the commandment to observe the Sabbath was established by the Almighty, Who, having completed the Creation of the world in six days, blessed and sanctified the seventh day. We read in the book of Shemot, in the chapter about the Jews receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai: “Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. Work for six days and do whatever you do. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Almighty: do not do any work, neither your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is in your gates. For six days the Most High created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Almighty blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.
The Torah calls Saturday a holiday on which it is forbidden to do work - even in the midst of a field harvest; in addition, it is forbidden to light a fire on the Sabbath. Anyone who violates these prohibitions is severely punished by the court. In those places in the Torah where holidays are listed, Saturday is mentioned first. The prophet Yeshayahu foresaw that the Jewish people would be exalted if they considered the Sabbath their joy, God's holy day (see 58:13).
Deprived of everyday worries, the Sabbath is reserved for spiritual pursuits. The Sabbath Prayer proclaims: “Let all who keep the Sabbath, the people who sanctify the seventh day, rejoice in your kingdom… You called this day the adornment of days.”
Jews at all times were so zealous about the fulfillment of the Sabbath commandment that, in the eyes of foreigners, the observance of the Sabbath became the most characteristic sign of Jewry. The Romans called the Jews "Sabatorii", subbotniks. Seneca, Tacitus, Ovid openly mocked the Jews for their attachment to this day. Interestingly, the hatred of foreign rulers towards the Jews was always accompanied by prohibitions on the Sabbath. However, all these persecutions in ancient times ended with the fact that all the peoples of the Mediterranean accepted the seven-day week with the final day of rest. Week, but not Saturday. Sabbath observance remained a purely Jewish commandment.
We bring to your attention a selection of articles and audio lessons on the topic "Shabbat", presented on the website of Toldot Yeshurun.
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
article r. Moshe Pantelyata
answer r. Benzion Zilber
Rav Yitzhak Zilber's memoirs of how he observed the Sabbath in the camp
chapter from the book "Queen Saturday" p. Moshe Pantelyata
chapter from the book "Queen Saturday" p. Moshe Pantelyata
article by the head of the Moscow yeshiva "Torat Chaim" r. Moshe Lebel
Video tutorials on the laws of the Sabbath, conducted by r. Eliyahu Levin
Saturday post. Prayer for Troubles on the Sabbath. Shtei mikra echad targum. The Need to Dedicate Sabbath Time for Spiritual Growth
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