Shabbat

• " On the seventh day he rested and was refreshed" ( Exodus: 31:17)
• The synagogue: Three examples of part of the shabbat service are:

  • Torah reading
  • Kaddish prayer
  • Amidah - facing Jereusalem
• Many Jews attend the synagogue and may join Torah study groups.

  Youth groups often meet on Shabbat afternoons for discussion and social interaction
• Observing Shabbat is one of the 10 commandments. Jews observe a day of rest to commemorate God resting on the seventh day after he made the world.

  Shabbat is a time for family and community and during this time services at the synagogue are well attended.
• No work is done on Shabbat
• Shabbat for Orthodox Jews:

  • Stick closely to tradition and try to observe shabbat by not working or lighting candles after sunset on Friday. In order to avoid driving, Orthodox Jews walk to the synagogue during Shabbat.
• Shabbat for Reform Jews:

  • Try to keep shabbat but do not worry if it is not possible. For example often they will light candles after sunset on Friday and may alter the timings for completing symbolic rituals.
  • They may drive to synagogue services during Shabbat
• Shabbat at home:

  • Two candles are placed on the dining table. These represent the 2 commandments received by Moses on mount Sinai related to Shabbat which were to remember and observe the Sabbath.
  • Two loaves of Challah bread on the table. Represent the food God provided for the Jews when they were walking through the desert in flight from Egypt.
• During shabbat at synagogues prayers are said. In orthodox synagogues these prayers happen at sunset. Whereas in Reform synagogues they happen at a set time.

  Shabbat is welcomed with prayers, hymns and psalms.
• Havdalah:

  • Marks the end of Shabbat.
  • Blessings are performed over a cup of wine to thank God for what he has provided.
  • A box of spices is passed around for everyone to smell. This reminds Jews that Shabbat is the spice of the week- a time for reflection and family before the next week
  • A candle is lit and blessed to bring light into the home after Shabbat has ended
• Families eat a meal together on Friday evening. Before any food is eaten Blessings are said for the children and Kiddush is said over the wine to make Shabbat holy.