Shabbat

Background
Shabbat, (Shabbos) is the Jewish Sabbath. Shabbat begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday. It is 25 hours of rest, reflection, prayer, as well as the observance of many rituals.

Shabbat is based upon Genesis 2:3, which says “God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because on it God ceased from all the work of creation…”

The obligation not to work or engage in any kind of business on Shabbat is one of the Ten Commandments. In some Jewish neighborhoods, such as Boro Park in Brooklyn, New York, many of the businesses close Friday afternoon before Shabbat begins, and are closed all day Saturday.  

Customs
There are many traditions passed down over the centuries, including:

•        Lighting candles Friday night at sundown and reciting a blessing in the home
•        Reciting a blessing over wine and challah (braided egg bread) before eating dinner
•        Singing special songs to welcome Shabbat
•        Setting the dinner table with a special table cloth and the best dishes and silverware
•        Eating a festive meal Friday night, which may include foods like chicken soup, gefilte fish, roast chicken, noodle or potato pudding (kugel).
•        Inviting friends and family to share in special meals Friday night and Saturday lunch
•        Attending synagogue services Friday night and Saturday morning
•        Spending time reading Jewish texts and relaxing during the day, and visiting with family/friends

Greetings
Shabbat Shalom or Gut Shabbos.