Shabbat
Havdalah

Shabbat

 

Introduction

The Sabbath, unlike the holidays that arrive on a fixed day of the month, is not related to the moon. It arrives every seventh
day to commemorate God's rest after having created the world.

The importance of the Sabbath is not in the least diminished by its frequency. In fact, its regularity increases its holiness. It takes precedence over all the other holidays except Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

The Sabbath alone is mentioned in the Ten Commandments as a day to be observed by all - even the servant, the stranger, and cattle. It has been said that it represents the greatest piece of social legislation in the history of mankind. Our ancients realized that no one could remain productive without rest. Without a Sabbath to culminate their labors, people would lose their self-respect, their dignity, even their desire to work.

The Romans did not realize how advanced the Sabbath institution was. They ridiculed the Jews for wasting away a seventh of their lives in idleness. The Sabbath also interfered with the institution of slavery. The master was not in complete control of his slave; for one day at least the slave was subject to God's will and not to the will of his master.

However, the intrinsic value of the Sabbath goes much deeper than mere abstention from work. Man (and woman) is bidden to "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." He is to give it over to spiritual pursuits, to make the most out of this period of physical rest by elevating himself spiritually and intellectually. He is to set it aside as a day to be observed on a different dimension from that of the usual workaday week-for prayer, joy, and rest.

The many prohibitions connected with the Sabbath are intended to protect the spirituality of the day rather than to create a mood of solemnity for the observant Jew. Our rabbis ordained that funerals were not permitted on the Sabbath; mourning was interrupted so that the Sabbath joy would not be diminished even in an hour of anguish.

Comfort and pleasure are part of Sabbath observance. The Jew is enjoined to sanctify the Sabbath by eating choice meals and wearing his or her best garments. It is a day when both body and soul partake in the rejoicing.

The Sabbath is marked by special songs and elaborate worship in the synagogue on Friday evening and Saturday morning. On Friday evening, whether at a sundown or late service, the kiddush over wine is chanted in the synagogue. A portion of the week, one designated for each Sabbath, is read from the Torah on Shabbat.

At home the Sabbath is usually inaugurated by the mother, who kindles the candles immediately before sunset. In the traditional home the father recites the Kiddush, blesses the children, and reads a Biblical passage in honor of the valorous woman. The Sabbath-twist bread (hallah), the special foods, the white tablecloth, and the singing of zemirot (songs) all help to enhance the spirituality of the day.

At the conclusion of the Sabbath a ceremony of separation, called havdalah, is observed. The Sabbath is bidden farewell with the taste of wine, the fragrance of spices, and the light of a braided candle.