Shabbat

Shabbat is one of the most fundamental and important commandments in Judaism. It is mentioned in the Torah already in the creation story: And on the seventh day God finished the work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all the work which He had done. Shabbat is a day of rest, holiness, and delight, on which one ceases from labor and devotes time to spirituality and family.

Shabbat is called a remembrance of the work of creation, and also a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt — a remembrance of redemption. On Shabbat, one detaches from the life of the weekday and its toil, and devotes oneself to Torah, prayer, and rest. Shabbat is also a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel — a sign for all generations.

• Lighting Shabbat candles — before the onset of Shabbat, by the woman of the house.
• Kiddush — over wine, on Shabbat eve and on Shabbat day.
• Shabbat meals — three meals (evening, day, and the third meal).
• Challah — separating challah from the dough.
• Havdalah — the ceremony concluding Shabbat, over wine, spices, and a candle.
• Reading the Torah and haftarah in the synagogue.

Shabbat is a biblical commandment, and 39 labors (principal labors) and their derivatives are prohibited. The prohibited labors include, among others: kindling a fire, extinguishing, carrying, writing, sewing, cooking, plowing, reaping, and more. The obligations of Shabbat include: rest, delight, honor, and prayer. One must prepare for Shabbat needs in advance, and cooking is not done on Shabbat. Pikuach Nefesh overrides Shabbat — it is a mitzvah to desecrate Shabbat to save a life.

Shabbat prayers are special and rich. On Shabbat eve, one recites Shalom Aleichem and Eishet Chayil, makes Kiddush over wine, and eats a festive meal. In the morning, the Torah is read (the weekly portion), and the Musaf service is added. At Minchah, Pirkei Avot is read (in certain customs). At the conclusion of Shabbat, Havdalah is made over wine, spices, and a candle.