Shabbat

• What does the Torah say about the Torah?

  That is was an intrinsic part of G-d's creative process
• And on the seventh day, G-d finished the work that he had done and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done.' Genesis 2:2
• Why is Shabbat so significant?

  It's one of the 10 commandments
• What was the main issue that occurred with Shabbat and interpreting Genesis 2:2?

  Figuring out what resting meant
• What did the Rabbis that contributed to the Talmud conclude?

  That as those who worked on building the first temple stopped all work on Shabbat, Jews should do the same.
• After deciding that Jews shouldn't work on Shabbat what was created?

  A list of 39 prohibitions.
• As technology has developed what issues have occurred?

  • How should Shabbat mitzvot be interpreted in the modern day?
  • Is flicking a light switch the same as 'kindling a fire'
  • Orthodox rabbis thought so
• What are the seven categories of work that cannot be done on Shabbat?

  • Growing and preparing food
  • Making clothing
  • Leatherwork and writing
  • Providing shelter
  • Creating a fire
  • Work completion
  • Transporting goods
• What three additional groups of forbidden work were added in the Talmud by the rabbis?

  • Muktzeh
  • Certain objects can't be used e.g. tools, musical instruments, and cameras.
  • Sh'vut
  • Jews cannot ask someone to do something on Shabbat that they cannot do themselves.
  • Uvdin d'chol
  • Weekday tasks e.g. paperwork, sports, watching TV