Sabbath

Sabbath, from the Hebrew Shabbat meaning to cease or rest, is a day of religious observance in several faiths. In Judaism, Shabbat is the weekly day of rest and worship, beginning Friday at sunset and ending Saturday night. It is marked by cessation from ordinary work, liturgical prayers, festive meals, and time for family, study, and prayer. Preparations are made in advance; candles are lit, the Kiddush blessing over wine welcomes the sanctified day, and services are held in synagogues, with Havdalah marking its end.

In Judaism, the day is governed by traditional prohibitions on certain types of labor, known as melacha, and is viewed as a time to reconnect with God, family, and community. The observance emphasizes rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal rather than commercial activity.

In Christianity, the concept of Sabbath appears as a day of rest and worship but is applied differently. Many denominations designate Sunday as the day of worship, often called the Lord’s Day, commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Some groups, such as Seventh-day Adventists, maintain a Saturday Sabbath in continuity with Jewish practice. Others observe a more flexible day of rest rather than a fixed weekly schedule.

Beyond specific religious contexts, Sabbath can denote any regular day of rest or devotion observed for spiritual, moral, or cultural reasons. The exact practices vary widely across cultures and faith communities.