Traditional Jews observe Shabbat because the day of rest is commanded in the Torah. It is one of the 10 commandments. Non-Tradtional Jews may have different motivations, but most agree that it is a deeply rooted tradition that enhances our lives.
The Jewish Sabbath is from Friday sundown until Saturday after twilight. The origin of the Shabbat is in the Torah (Genesis ch.2, Leviticus ch.23, Exodus ch.20 and many other passages). Since the Sabbath is a day blessed by God (Genesis ch.2), he gave it to the Israelites as a treasured gift to be cherished (Talmud, Beitzah 15b). It is a day of rest (Exodus ch.20, ch.31), and a day of strengthening ties with the family, the community, and with God.There are two main aspects to Shabbat observance: what we do and what we don't do.What we don't do: we're not permitted to work on the Shabbat (Exodus ch.20). This includes 39 categories of productive interaction with the world, such as planting, writing, kindling fire, etc. (Talmud, Shabbat 73b).What we do: candles are lit, customarily by the lady of the household, around 20 minutes before sunset on Friday afternoon. We then attend synagogue for the Friday afternoon prayer (mincha), the kabbalat Shabbat (ushering in of the Shabbat), and the Shabbat evening prayer (maariv), consecutively.On Shabbat morning, we again attend synagogue. The services are longer than on weekdays and include prayers as well as reading the weekly Torah-portion.There's often a kiddush (refreshments) afterwards, and congregants then have a chance to schmooze (to talk). Towards the late afternoon, there's another (short) service (Shabbat mincha).After Friday night services and on Shabbat morning after services, we come home, often with guests, make kiddush (blessing over wine), and have a leisurely multi-course Shabbat meal including singing and words of Torah. Customarily, that week's Torah-reading (parsha) will be a topic of conversation; and the children of the family will be asked to speak of what they've learned in school.After that, Shabbat is a quiet time: no phones, radio or TV (etc.), just schmoozing, taking walks, visiting friends, reading, learning Torah, playing board games, etc.Husband and wife, in particular, finally have a chance to be together after a hectic week.
According to the Halakha any kind of work is forbidden during Shabbat. There are 39 categories of work mentioned in the Torah, so you can tell even with new technologies what is considered work. For instance you cannot cook, but you can use an oven that has been left on to warm and serve hot food. You cannot drive (even going to vacation). You cannot lit fire.. etc etc The only rule the goes against the work prohibitions during Shabbat is saving a life - you can do any kind of work to save lives. So, you can basically pray, visit with friends and family, read a nice book, grab lunch, go on a walk, have sex, pray again, have sex, go to synagogue, eat dinner, and by then Shabbat is over.
About weekly parsha readingThe parsha, or weekly Torah reading, changes every week and goes in a set order. There are times when there is a double-parsha, two parshot read on the same week. It depends on whether the year is a leap year.Use a Hebrew calendar to figure out the weekly parsha. It is usually listed on Erev Shabbat.
Well, honey, on Shabbat, which is the Jewish day of rest, people typically refrain from work, lighting fires, using electricity, and handling money. It's a time for spiritual reflection, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying some good food. So basically, it's like a chill day to recharge your batteries and reconnect with what's important in life.
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The Shabbat is a major Torah-command; one that keeps a strong bond between us and God.The Shabbat is one of the times that the Torah is read. This reminds us of our beliefs and obligations.The Shabbat is a time when the whole community congregates.
The Hebrew Bible is used for prayer, study, and is read from on special ocassions such as Holidays and Shabbat. The Torah (the first part of the Hebrew Bible) is also read from on Mondays and Thursdays.
Jews
Jews pray to God. The books which we use during worship include the Siddur (Hebrew prayerbook), the Torah, and the Prophets. Portions of the Torah-scroll are read during services several times each week, and a small passage from the Prophets is read during the Shabbat morning services.See also the Related Links.Link: More about Jewish prayer servicesLink: More about the Torah and Prophets
The Torah is written ... and read from ... in Hebrew.
Non-Jews
1) By celebrating Passover. 2) By learning the Torah (we read the whole Torah each year). The Torah recounts the entire narrative of the Exodus. 3) The Exodus is mentioned many times in our prayers. 4) A number of Torah-commands, including Shabbat, are described as commemorating the Exodus.
The Torah and Haftorah
Jews typically do not go to church and if they do, they would likely read Christian liturgical materials. Jews read the Torah in their synagogues.
The Jews received the Torah from God written in Hebrew, and significant numbers still read and study Torah in the original Hebrew to this day.
The Torah is the Hebrew Bible. Like the Christian Bible, the Torah can be read and studied at anytime. In synagogues, it is most commonly used during Shabbat morning prayer services in which a section of the Torah is read every week.
They read from the Torah for the very first time.