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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).
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 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 have a chance 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.
What else can I help you with?
Can Jews use a phone during Shabbat?
Religiously observant Jews will not use phones during Shabbat. The exception being if there is an emergency - medical, fire, etc. where lives are at risk.
Do Orthodox Jews answer their phones on Shabbat?
No, Orthodox Jews do not use phones during Shabbat except for major emergencies such as someone's life being at risk.
Are Jews allowed to socialize during Shabbat?
yes i think
What food is not allowed during shabbat?
Religiously observant Jews will never eat non-kosher foods, regardless of which day of the week it is. Less observant Jews will make a point to eat kosher food during Shabbat. Non-observant Jews usually don't pay any attention to whether or not the food they are eating is kosher.
If you board a flight before shabbat is it okay to land on shabbat?
Religiously observant Jews would not board a plane if Shabbat were to start while in transit. The issue wouldn't be landing during Shabbat, the issue would be flying during Shabbat.
What does 'Shabbat shalom' mean'?
It means "Have a peaceful Sabbath". It's how Jews greet each other during Shabbat.
How do the Jews in Australia celebrate Shabbat?
The same way Jews in all other countries do.
Do some Jewish people marry on Shabbat during Saturday morning services?
Any marriages on Shabbat are strictly prohibited by Orthodox and Conservative Jews, and by reason of custom, completely discouraged by Reform Jews. Most Jews that marry on Saturday are secular Jews, and therefore would not be married during a prayer service.
Do Orthodox Jews have to keep their electricity on on Shabbat or do they have to turn it off?
Orthodox Jews only use electricity in a passive manner during Shabbat. This means that they can leave electrical appliances on over Shabbat or use timers that automatically turn such things as lamps on and off.
Can Jews eat in the restaurants during sabbath and eat with others?
There is no prohibition against eating in a restaurant during Shabbat. Shabbat and kashrut observant Jews would require that the restaurant be kosher. To get around the issue of not being able to handle money during Shabbat, kosher restaurants will pre-sell meals. Additionally, the restaurant would have to be within walking distance.
Is Shabbat important?
yes for ordodox and ultra-orthodox jews reform jews might adapt the rules of shabbat
What meat can't the Jews eat on the sabbath?
There is no prohibition against eating kosher meat during Shabbat. The reverse is true; it's expected that meat be eaten during the two main Shabbat meals. On Passover, Jews cannot eat leavened bread (whereas they can at other times of the year). Shabbat does not mirror this. The same kosher rules for the rest of the week apply on Shabbat. Jews cannot eat pork on any day of the week and conversely, Jews can eat tuna or kosher meat on any day of the week.
