Shabbat
Judaism's weekly day of rest and spiritual contemplation.
Shabbat (Hebrew: שַׁבָּת, lit. 'rest' or 'cessation'), also called the Sabbath or Shabbos by Ashkenazim, is Judaism's day of rest on the seventh day of the week—Saturday. It is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until the appearance of three stars on Saturday night, and is considered Judaism's first and most sacred institution.
- field
- Religious observance
- known_for
- Day of rest and cessation from work; commemorates creation and the Exodus
- observed_by
- Jews worldwide
- day_of_week
- Saturday (seventh day)
- duration
- From Friday sunset to Saturday night (three stars appear)
Lore & Background
Shabbat observance entails refraining from work activities and engaging in restful activities to honor the day. According to halakha, it begins a few minutes before sunset on Friday and ends when three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. It is ushered in by lighting candles and reciting blessings over wine and bread. Three festive meals are traditionally eaten: Friday evening, Saturday lunch, and Saturday afternoon. The evening and early afternoon meals begin with a kiddush blessing over wine; the third meal includes the hamotzi blessing and challah bread but no kiddush. The end of Shabbat is marked by the Havdalah ritual, with blessings over wine, aromatic spices, and candle lighting.
Reader's Guide
Shabbat holds central significance in Judaism as a holy day commemorating both God's rest after creation (Genesis 2:1–3) and the Israelites' redemption from slavery in Egypt. It is the first holy day mentioned in the Bible and is treated as a joyous occasion, often described as a 'bride' or 'queen' in Jewish liturgy. The Torah is read during Shabbat morning services, with a longer reading than on weekdays, divided into seven sections. The punishment for desecrating Shabbat in ancient times was stoning, and the divine punishment is kareth (spiritual excommunication).
Did You Know?
- Shabbat begins in the evening of what on the civil calendar is Friday, because the Jewish religious calendar counts days from sunset to sunset.
- The word Shabbat derives from the Hebrew root ש־ב־ת, meaning 'ceasing [from work]' rather than simply 'rest'.
- Twice as many animal sacrifices were offered on Shabbat in the Temple compared to the daily offering of the other six days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shabbat?
Shabbat is Judaism's sacred weekly day of rest, falling on the seventh day of the week (Saturday). It is a time of cessation from labor dedicated to spiritual reflection, prayer, and community, and is regarded as the faith's oldest and most central institution.
When does Shabbat begin and end?
It starts a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening and concludes once three stars are visible in the sky on Saturday night. The exact timing shifts depending on geographic location and time of year.
What does Shabbat commemorate?
It honors two foundational events in Jewish tradition: God's rest on the seventh day of creation and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Both themes of divine rest and human freedom are woven into the holiday's meaning.
Why is Shabbat considered so important in Judaism?
It is viewed as the first sacred institution established in the Torah, predating many other commandments. Observing it is understood as a weekly renewal of the covenant between God and the Jewish people, making it central to Jewish identity.
Who observes Shabbat and where?
Jews around the world observe Shabbat regardless of denomination, culture, or geographic location. It remains the one weekly practice shared across all branches of Judaism, from Orthodox to Reform.
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