It is a common phrase that more than the Jews had kept the Sabbath, it—the Sabbat—had kept them. The Jewish Sabbath is a sacred time of peace, offering us a day to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Every Friday at sunset, Jewish families and communities worldwide begin this 25-hour retreat from the rush of daily life. In an era of endless demands and hectic schedules, Shabbat stands as an ancient reminder of the value of rest and reflection.
This day of rest is woven into the fabric of creation itself. In the Genesis story, God rests on the seventh day, blessing it as a holy time. Shabbat’s unique invitation allows us to step away from our routines and celebrate life in its purest form. As we enter Shabbat, we are welcomed into a world of peace, family, and timeless tradition.
How Jews Celebrate Shabbat
Shabbat traditions have been passed down for generations, and each custom is a doorway to connection and joy.
Candle Lighting: At sunset on Friday, families gather to light the Shabbat candles. This quiet, beautiful ritual brings light and peace into the home and symbolizes the start of Shabbat and its sanctity.
Kiddush and a Festive Meal: Over a glass of wine, the Kiddush blessing is recited to sanctify the day, followed by the sharing of challah, the braided bread unique to Shabbat. The meal itself is a cherished gathering with family and friends, where songs, laughter, and meaningful conversations flow freely.
Prayers and Torah Reading: Synagogue services on Shabbat are filled with prayers and songs that celebrate the gift of rest. At the heart of the service is the Torah reading, an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the sacred text and reflect on its relevance to our lives.
Rest and Reflection: Shabbat invites us to put aside work and distractions, allowing space for family and personal reflection. Phones are put away, the demands of the week fade, and we enjoy the gift of time with loved ones, with conversations that deepen our connections.
Bialik’s Reflection on the Beauty of Shabbat
As Shabbat concludes, its peace often lingers in our hearts, and we can look to the words of Chaim Nachman Bialik (1873-1934), a poet who was declared already in his life as the national Jewish poet. He had captured this tranquility in his poem "Shabbat the Queen":
The sun on the tree-tops no longer is seen,
Come, gather to welcome the Sabbath, our Queen.
Behold her descending, the holy, the blest,
With angels—a cohort of peace and of rest.
Draw nigh, O Queen, and here abide;
Draw nigh, draw nigh, O Sabbath bride.
Peace also to you, Ye angels of peace!
The Sabbath is greeted with song and with praise,
We go slowly homeward, our hearts full of grace.
The table is spread there, the candles give light,
Every nook in the house is shining and bright.
Sabbath is peace and rest.
Sabbath is peaceful and blest.
Enter in peace, ye angels of peace.
We’ve welcomed the Sabbath with song and with prayer;
And home we return, our heart’s gladness to share.
The table is set and the candles are lit,
The tiniest corner for Sabbath made fit.
O day of blessing, day of rest!
Sweet day of peace be ever blest!
Bring ye also peace, Ye angels of peace!