Shabbat

Shabbat (the Sabbath) begins just before sunset each Friday and ends 25 hours later on Saturday night. In Jewish tradition, night is defined as the appearance of three stars. This is the most special time of the week for Jews and is seen as a gift from God. Shabbat recalls the seventh day of the creation story when God stopped creating and took a day of rest.

Significance of Shabbat

By celebrating the Shabbat, Jews are expressing belief in God as creator.
Jews are also showing that they accept God as ruler and judge.
Shabbat also reminds Jews of their ancestral history as slaves in Egypt when they could not rest. So, by resting, they recall how God took them out of slavery and they reflect on their relationship with God.
This 25 hour period gives Jews time with their families, in which they can develop their relationship with God.

Rules of Shabbat

All preparations must be complete before sunset on Friday, including the food that will be eaten.
There are many restrictions on Shabbat, including not doing any work.
Work is defined as creative activity, not effort. This means no cooking or operating electrical devices and no writing or shopping.

Shabbat Festivities and Services

There are many festivities and traditions that take place in the home to celebrate Shabbat, as well as services in the synagogue.

The start of Shabbat

Just before sunset, Shabbat candles are lit. It is traditional to light two candles, but some families add an extra candle per child.
Candle lighting is normally done by the women in the home.

The end of Shabbat

To mark the end of the Shabbat, there is a final ceremony called Havdalah (‘separation’ in Hebrew).
Prayers are spoken, reminding Jews that God is omnipresent so there is nothing to be afraid of as the week begins.
There is a blessing over wine, spices and fire. The spices are used to cheer up the soul.
The fire represents energy, so this is the first creative act after 25 hours of not creating.
After Havdalah, the week begins and life returns to normal.

Meals at home during Shabbat

At home, a festive meal is eaten for lunch, followed by one more special meal just before Shabbat ends.
During the meals, special Shabbat songs are sung which make the meal significant, and Torah stories are shared which make the meal a perfect time for educating children and celebrating the faith.

Saturday morning service at the synagogue

The Shabbat morning service is longer than services during the week.
The Torah is read out, and the Rabbi gives a sermon based on the Torah reading to inspire his community.
The service is followed by a Kiddush (reception) where the community can eat and socialise together.
Lots of Jews will make a special effort to join the service in the morning even if they don’t attend during the week.

Friday evening service at the synagogue

The first service is on Friday as Shabbat starts, which welcomes Jews into Shabbat.
After the service, there is a festive meal eaten with family and friends.
The meal begins with a blessing over a cup of wine and two loaves of plaited bread.
- The two loaves remind Jews of the double portion of manna that God provided their ancestors in the desert after leaving Egypt.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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