Shabbat — The Jewish Day of Rest

What Is Shabbat?

Shabbat commemorates God's rest on the seventh day of creation and the Exodus from Egypt. The Torah gives two reasons for Shabbat: 'For in six days God made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested' (Exodus 20:11) — and 'Remember that you were a slave in Egypt' (Deuteronomy 5:15). The Talmud calls Shabbat 'a taste of the World to Come' and 'a precious gift from God's treasure house.'

Who Observes Shabbat?

Every Jewish person is commanded to observe Shabbat. The degree of observance varies — from fully observant communities that refrain from all 39 categories of creative work (melachot), to those who observe Shabbat through candle lighting, Kiddush, and family meals. Shabbat is central to Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist Jewish life.

When Is Shabbat?

Shabbat begins every Friday evening at sunset (or 18 minutes before sunset in most communities) and ends on Saturday night after nightfall — typically when three medium-sized stars are visible. The exact times change weekly based on location and time of year. Hebcal.com provides precise candle-lighting times.

How Is Shabbat Observed?

Key Shabbat observances: (1) Candle Lighting — at least two candles lit by a woman of the household; (2) Kiddush — sanctifying Shabbat over a cup of wine; (3) Challah — blessing and eating two loaves; (4) Three Meals; (5) Zemirot — singing Shabbat songs; (6) Refraining from melacha (creative work) — including cooking, driving, writing, and using electronics; (7) Havdalah — the ceremony at the end of Shabbat using wine, spices, and a braided candle.