Shabbos

Shabbos is the Hebrew word for the Sabbath, the day of rest and spiritual observance observed by Jews. It begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. The observance of Shabbos is one of the Ten Commandments and is considered a cornerstone of Jewish life.

The primary purpose of Shabbos is to provide a respite from the weekly cycle of labor and to dedicate time to spiritual pursuits, family, and community. Traditional Jewish law, known as Halakha, outlines specific activities that are prohibited on Shabbos, often referred to as melacha. These prohibitions are not intended as punishments but rather as a framework for a day of peace and holiness. Examples of prohibited activities include creative work, carrying objects in public, and igniting fires.

Instead of engaging in melacha, observant Jews focus on prayer, study of religious texts, and spending time with loved ones. Meals are often elaborate and communal, with specific blessings and songs sung. Many attend synagogue services throughout Shabbos. The transition into and out of Shabbos is marked by specific rituals, including the lighting of Shabbos candles on Friday evening and the Havdalah ceremony on Saturday night, which separates the holy day from the rest of the week. Shabbos is viewed as a foretaste of the messianic era, a time of perfect peace and harmony.