Shabbat

Shabbat (Hebrew: שַׁבָּת, also written Shabbos or Sabbath) is the Jewish day of rest and seventh day of the week, observed from sunset on Friday until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. The word Shabbat comes from the Hebrew language and means "cease" or "to rest." In Yiddish, it is referred to as Shabbos (שבת), and in Ladino, it is called Sábado. Shabbat is a significant observance in Judaism, marked by a variety of rituals, prayers, and restrictions on work. It is one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar, serving as a day of spiritual renewal, family time, and community gathering. The observance of Shabbat is rooted in the biblical narrative of God's creation of the world in six days, with the seventh day designated as a day of rest. Key rituals include the lighting of candles before sunset on Friday, the recitation of kiddush (a blessing over wine), and the enjoyment of three festive meals. Traditional restrictions on 39 categories of work are observed, promoting a day of tranquility and reflection.