On Saturday, the Lord seems to come to visit us. And the arrival of Sabbath holiness imposes certain obligations on us - like the visit of a distinguished guest. For convenience, we will divide necessary actions for several groups.
Preparing the apartment
1) The house should be cleaned properly, sweeping or mopping the floor if necessary. And also do not forget to turn on the lights and air conditioning where necessary, or, accordingly, set up Shaon Shabbat - a special timer for turning on electrical appliances (since you cannot turn electrical appliances on or off on Saturday).
2) Do not forget to prepare Shabbat candles where the meal will be held, so that they burn throughout the meal.
3) Don't forget to cut toilet paper or buy special napkins (so you don’t have to tear them off on Saturday).
4) The table for the meal must be covered with a tablecloth before the start of the Sabbath. (There is also an opinion that if the tablecloth is sometimes removed, for example, to shake off crumbs, you need to lay out another tablecloth in advance so that the table does not remain uncovered).
Also, until Saturday, the table is set - dishes and everything necessary are placed. If possible, Shabbat challahs should also be placed on the table in advance and covered with a napkin.
Preparing the meal
5) Shabbat meals should correspond to the significance of this day, so it is necessary to prepare at least two different dishes, in addition to bread and wine (grape juice) for. (By the way, this is why the last meal before fasting on the 9th of Av should not consist of two types of dishes: it should not be solemn). Even boiled egg or salad for that matter are considered a dish. But it is clear that, if possible, it is necessary to prepare a rich and tasty meal, as if meeting a distinguished and long-awaited guest.
6) You should open plastic, cardboard or polyethylene food packages and drink bottles in advance, because many of them are not allowed to open on Saturday (there is no room to go into detail here).
Prepare yourself
7) On Friday you need to wash yourself hot water or at least wash your face, hands and feet. Nails are also trimmed and trimmed as needed.
8) There is also a custom of plunging into a mikvah - a special pool for ritual cleansing.
9) Shabbat clothes must be clean and festive, and they should be worn all Saturday until the rite of separation between the holy day and weekdays. There is an opinion that the Melave Malka meal - the farewell to the Queen of the Sabbath - should be carried out in these clothes.
This is a short list of preparations to ensure the proper conduct of the Sabbath. The preparations themselves are the fulfillment of a special commandment, and so on. commandments are required to be fulfilled precisely with the intention of fulfilling them - kavana, then it is important to remember that this is a special commandment, all the time that we are working and preparing. It’s even better to say it out loud: Likhvod Shabbat kodesh - “In honor of Holy Saturday.”
Our sages said (Shabbat 119 b): two angels escort a person home from the synagogue, one “good” (from the measure of mercy), and the other “bad” (from the measure of justice). If upon arrival they find that everything is ready for Saturday - the candles are lit, the table is set, etc., the good angel blesses: “Let it be so next time,” and his companion is forced to say omein, i.e. join in the blessing.
And if the picture is the opposite and the house is not prepared properly, then the good angel is forced to respond with omein to the wish of the “evil one” so that it will continue to be so.
As for the greeting “Shabbat Shalom,” we say it at the beginning of Saturday, usually after evening prayer, and throughout the day. The source of this custom is the words of the Torah: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” (Shemot 20:8).
This commandment must be fulfilled both during the week and on the Sabbath itself. And, in particular, so that we do not forget “where we are,” we even greet each other in a special way - Shabbat shalom!
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That's how lucky the Jews are - we have a holiday every week! Yes, Holy Saturday is not just a day off, but a real holiday. Of course, Shabbat is very different from other Jewish important dates.
Firstly, it happens not once a year, but much more often. Secondly, it is not associated with any specific historical event. Although... it depends on how you look at it. After all, we celebrate Shabbat in memory of the main event of human history.
God created the world in six days. And only on the seventh I decided that I deserved a break. “Took a break” or “stopped” - this is how the word “Shabbat” is translated. And since Jews believe that the creation of the world began on Sunday, it turns out that the seventh day is the day of stopping, respite - this is Saturday.
Among the commandments that the Almighty gave to Moses on Mount Sinai was the commandment to keep the Sabbath. What does this mean?
The most important thing is that you cannot work on Saturday. It's easy to remember and enjoyable to stick to. Saturday is a day off according to all laws, and doing nothing on this day is as easy as shelling pears.
But keeping this commandment only seems easy. On Saturday, God completed the creation of the world, so people are prohibited from any constructive or creative work. That is, the labor with which we create or change something.
There are several types of work that should be avoided during Shabbat. The first is cooking. But it's Saturday festive table– an important part of tradition! So Jewish housewives have to work in advance, on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, food cannot even be heated. Unless, of course, you leave the stove on since Friday.
Another prohibited type of work is anything related to the manufacture of clothing. Not only sewing and knitting, but even tearing threads or cutting animals! In addition, you cannot write or build anything.
Well, okay, you already understand - you can’t work on Saturday. But what can and should be done on Saturday?
We need to turn to God. And in general, think about everything important, beautiful, deep - about what we usually don’t have time to think about on weekdays.
By the way, Shabbat begins on Friday evening - immediately after the sun sets. The holiday comes to the family, to every home. Mom lights Shabbat candles and reads a prayer. Then, when everyone sits down at the table, dad or grandfather says kiddush - blessing - over a glass of grape wine or juice. But no one starts eating yet: you still need to say a blessing over the bread. The bread on the table this day is not ordinary, but festive - wicker golden challah. When the wine and bread are blessed, you can dine.
During the Shabbat meal, people usually talk not about who got what grades at school, or about what’s going on with dad at work, or about who grandma had a fight with in the yard. If this is a religious family, dad can tell something interesting about the holy book - the Torah. But even if you and your family do not strictly observe Jewish customs, nothing stops you from singing. Yes, yes, right at the table! There are special Sabbath drinking songs that are very simple and cheerful. With them, peace and joy come to the house and soul.
On Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon, men come to the synagogue. The prayers said there during Shabbat are special. Not like on weekdays.
Shabbat ends on Saturday evening. A ceremony called Havdalah is held. This is translated as “separation” and means that we separate the Shabbat holiday and the work week that lies ahead of us. Everyone says “goodbye” to the Holy Saturday and returns to everyday worries.
For some, Shabbat is a truly sacred holiday. But even those Jews who do not follow all the traditions are happy to buy or bake challah, light candles, pour grape juice into glasses, remember the good things that happened during the week, and sing songs. And then Saturday comes!
“Shabbat Shalom” is the greeting with which any Jew greets the onset of Saturday. On the Sabbath, Jews stop all activities and sit down to the festive table. Where the tradition came from and what it means, we will consider further.
Origin of the holiday
According to scriptures The Creator created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh. For the Jews, the holiday was established through Moses more than 3,000 years ago. Before the exodus from Egypt, there was no meaning in the holiday, since the slaves did not rest, and the masters had no need for rest, they did not work.
The Sabbath commandment was included in Jewish law when the covenant was concluded. The obligation to observe it was established not only for Jews, but also for everyone who lives next to them.
On this day, Jews try not to think about the body and food, but direct their gaze to the heavenly, eternal. They visit the synagogue and gather with the whole family around a laid table.
Features of the celebration
Sabbath observance begins on Friday evening. As the season approaches, Jews tell everyone: “Shabbat Shalom!” These words mean wishing a peaceful Sabbath to every Jew you meet. The literal translation of “Shabbat Shalom” is “Sabbath peace.”
On Friday evening, the mistress of the house lights candles and prays for the children. The father sanctifies a glass of wine with special words. On this day, special bread is used - challah. After saying the prayers, the family begins the meal. Any vain conversations are prohibited. Candles create a special atmosphere, and festive songs are sung at the table. Peace and tranquility reign in the house.
The end of Shabbat is after sunset on Saturday, meaning the celebration lasts approximately 25 hours.
Shabbat rituals
Shabbat rest begins with the greeting “Shabbat Shalom.” The obligatory rituals for observing the Jewish Sabbath are the following:
- Lighting candles. As already mentioned, this is done by the mistress of the house with words of blessing. At least two candles are lit.
- Prayers. On Friday evenings, men attend the synagogue to say prayers.
- Festive meal. After the men visit the synagogue, all family members sit down at the table for a ceremonial meal. The father blesses the children and hymns are sung.
- Consecration of the day - kiddush. The father sanctifies the day with special words over a glass of wine. The challahs are covered with a napkin. After the blessing, everyone present says “Amen.” Then the head of the family drinks the wine and gives a drink to everyone present.
- Hand washing. Everyone participating in the meal must wash their hands and dry them while pronouncing words of glorification of the Creator.
- Meal. In addition to treats, there are always two challahs on the table, covered with a napkin. They recall the two portions of heavenly manna that God gave to the Jews before the Sabbath. The father of the family prays and cuts challah, dips it in salt, eats it himself, and then gives it to those present. Then you can eat the rest of the dishes.
- End of Saturday. It comes in the evening at sunset. A special prayer is said over a meal and a glass of wine, and the Sabbath ends.
What does Shabbat Shalom mean to a Jew? These are special words, because the Jewish holiday of the Sabbath is an eternal establishment, a symbol of the covenant between God and man.
On the eve of Shabbat, Jews clean the house, cover the table with a tablecloth, cut toilet paper, and cook holiday dishes, baking challah.
Saturday nuances
Tourists who find themselves in Israel need to consider several points:
- On Friday evening, all establishments close: shops, cafes, museums. They will open after the end of Shabbat - on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
- City transport does not operate on Saturday. If you need to get there, you can do it by taxi or rented car.
- Elevators open on every floor on the Sabbath so that Jews can avoid pressing the button and breaking the commandment. Such elevators exist in most Israeli hotels.
- Emergency and medical services operate on Saturday. Jews believe that in order to save a person's life, one can break a commandment.
What else can't you do on Saturday? According to tradition, Jews are prohibited from any creative work, as a result of which it is transformed the world. It is forbidden to light a fire, turn on electricity, or ride a bus. But non-creative activities are allowed. That is, you can cut vegetables and read a book.
Spiritual and earthly meaning
Shabbat Shalom is said from Friday evening through Saturday. These words and the wish for a “peaceful Saturday” turn a person to his highest mission on earth. The answer to the wish in most Jewish communities is: “Shabbat shalom at mevorach!” (“Peaceful and Blessed Saturday!”).
Initially, the Sabbath reminded man of his Creator and of deliverance from slavery.
To this day, Shabbat rest stops a person in his earthly bustle, provides an opportunity to relax, communicate with family and friends, enjoy nature, and restore strength. The Sabbath allows a person to enjoy the fruits of his labor. The Jewish Sabbath is a great achievement for a person, giving him the opportunity to understand the events of his life’s journey and turn to God.
Jews stop all activities on the seventh day of the week. Like the Creator, who created the world in six days, and then, as it is said: “He rested on the seventh day from all His works that He had done.”
On Shabbat, you should forget about food for the body and take care of food for the soul. Turn to God. Devote your time to the important, beautiful, deep - things that you usually don’t have time for on weekdays.
More than 3,300 years have passed since the advent of Shabbat. Before the exodus from Egypt, the concept of “rest” or “day off” did not exist. Slaves were not supposed to rest, but masters did not need rest. Some were exhausted from work, others from idleness.
Time for the soul
Gradually, other countries followed Israel's example. The year was divided into seven-day segments and called them weeks. However, unfortunately, not everyone retained the spiritual essence of the holiday. Nevertheless, it is a high social achievement. A person gets the opportunity to relax, think about strengthening family and friendship ties, take care of his health, and enjoy nature.
Light the candles
Shabbat entry begins on Friday evening. A woman lights candles in the house as a symbol that these small lights will lead to the great light of the Creator. Mom says a prayer for her children. Dad cooks - a blessing - over a glass of wine. Even the bread on this day is not ordinary, but festive - wicker golden challah. After prayers have been said over the wine and bread, the meal begins. create a romantic atmosphere in the house and no one wants to talk about the problems of the past week. But you can sing! There are simple and fun table dishes. Together with these simple melodies, peace and joy come to the house.
Saturday – the result of corrections
“The crown of spiritual work” is how Kabbalah characterizes this day. Shabbat is the highest level of human development. The day that corresponds to the end of correction, the seventh millennium. With his arrival, reality changes. A person begins to realize that all events in life did not come by chance, they were sent to him by God, for the development of the soul and spiritual growth. Like problems for a schoolchild. So, with hard efforts, we go through stage after stage of work on ourselves. As a result of improvement, we reach the level of the Creator - that altruistic force that created everything around us and which can be compared to the sun, giving its light and warmth to everyone without exception. This means that people come to an absolutely correct connection with each other: to understanding and unconditional love, as in one big happy family.
Shabbat... It is impossible to imagine the Jewish people and their tradition without the Sabbath. Already at the very beginning, in the first chapter of the Torah, in the story of the creation of the world, the Sabbath appears as final stage, the crown and purpose of creation Before the advent of the Sabbath, human civilization did not know such a day.
Different cultures had days that were different from normal working days. But they were mainly devoted to trade and became market days. There was also no seven-day weekly cycle created by the Sabbath. In various African cultures, for example, every third or fourth day was a trading day.
In ancient Rome, the city gates were opened every eighth day for residents of the provinces. On this day they brought their products for sale. The customs of the Sabbath caused bewilderment among the surrounding peoples ancient world. He seemed strange to them, devoid of logic and even harmful. The philosopher Seneca believed that this was a wasteful custom - because the Jews "lose almost one-seventh of their lives." Gradually, having been borrowed through Christianity and Islam, the seven-day cycle became the property of most of the world.
Weekends in developed countries, as a rule, last two days. Moreover, on one of them (in countries with a predominant Christian tradition, this is Sunday) work and trade are prohibited (or severely limited). But this situation is only a partial embodiment of the idea of the Jewish Sabbath. The concepts of work and rest on Saturday in the Jewish tradition differ significantly from those generally accepted in Western culture today; they are deeper and are the embodiment of Jewish views on the essence of man in this world. Judaism refers to human creation, creativity, and the creation of something new as a manifestation of the divine principle in man and, therefore, sees this as the essence of human existence.
This is one of the contributions of Judaism to modern civilization. Therefore, it is especially interesting that in relation to the Sabbath, the Torah says: “Remember the Sabbath day, to sanctify it. Six days you shall work... and on the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God: on that day you shall not do any work... "(Shemot 20:8-9). To denote work on the Sabbath in Hebrew, the concept “mlacha” is used, the exact meaning of which is creation, creation. In the language of the sages, the activity prohibited on Shabbat is “malechet makhshevet,” that is, conscious creation. Just as on the seventh day G-d “rested” from creation and creation, and the Jew ceases creative activity. Therefore, on Saturday, if it is very necessary, for example, from morning to evening, you can move furniture, that is, do work. Creation is prohibited, an activity that meets four criteria: the presence of a goal, intention, adding a new entity to the world and the possibility of the existence of the fruits of this activity for a long time. What is the meaning of this understanding of the Sabbath rest? Why is the cessation of creative activity, which reveals the divine principle in man, a requirement of the Jewish Sabbath? Continuous creation, activity aimed at changing the world, leads to a situation opposite to the original meaning. Such a race enslaves a person, turns him into a servant of his ambitions, which arise as a result of awareness of his capabilities. On the other hand, there is a feeling of the limitlessness of human strength and priority, the uniqueness of human desire. The understanding of creation as a manifestation of the divine principle is being erased.
Saturday limits both tendencies, neutralizing their destructive effect. It stops running, allows a person to comprehend the fruits of his labor, and leaves room for contemplation. The Sabbath separates a person from his work and restores his self-worth. Thus, creation returns to its original essence, allowing man to manifest his highest purpose.
Modern Western culture views rest more as a means of recuperating for more productive work in the future and as an appropriate time for entertainment. Today in Israel, 50 percent of Jewish families light Shabbat candles, 46 percent make kiddush (sanctification of the Sabbath), and 55 percent have a special Shabbat meal. 25 percent of Israelis attend synagogue on the Sabbath; 37 percent do not commit various works at home and outside and do not light a fire, 30 - try not to perform actions related to payment, for example, do not buy movie tickets (according to data from the Israel Democracy Institute for 2000). Interestingly, the most common Sabbath practice today—lighting Shabbat candles—is not mentioned in the Torah. But already in various Talmudic texts the most important place of lighting candles in creating the special atmosphere of Shabbat is emphasized. If a Jew is poor and does not have the opportunity to buy oil for the Shabbat lamps (in the Talmud they are called “house candles”) and Hanukkah lamps at the same time, or he cannot simultaneously buy wine for kiddush (consecration), he must first purchase oil for the Shabbat lamps (Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sabbath, 236). The obligation of consecration (kiddush) is mentioned in the Torah, but it also gives “primacy” to candles. The reason for this is the meaning attached to the lighting of candles: “ner beito - shlom beito,” that is, the light spread by candles makes it possible for the peaceful existence of a home and family. In the dark, family members cannot maintain normal human relationships, quarrels and disagreements begin. A technical explanation of the role of candles in the propagation of light opens the way to a broader understanding.
Today, in the age of electricity, there is no need for candles as a source of lighting. But the light and warmth of “living” fire has long been associated in human hearts with peace, unity, and is perceived as a source of life. This principle of peace in the home, as we see, comes first in Jewish tradition and is perhaps why the lighting of candles remains the most common Sabbath custom even among non-religious Jews. Lighting the candles marks the end of preparations for the Sabbath and the beginning of it. Married woman lights two candles. It is also customary to light a candle for each child. If there is no woman in the house, then a man can light the Shabbat candles.
In honor of Saturday, it is necessary to change clothes. Everyone puts on a clean and ironed one, not the one he wears every day, when a person is content with work clothes. “And call the Sabbath a delight and honor it” (Isaiah 58:13). How to outwardly honor her? First of all, the fact that Shabbat clothing differs from everyday clothing. Hence the conclusion is drawn: a person, at a minimum, must have two types of attire: one for weekdays, the other for Saturday. This custom has taken deep roots. Over time even simple people among the people they tried to keep special clothes for the Sabbath, and did not part with them even in heavy life situations. Only twice a year do they not change clothes before Saturday: if it falls on the Ninth of Av (the day of mourning for the destroyed Temple) and on Holy Saturday before Passover, because at this time it is customary to clean and wash clothes before the holiday.
The Shabbat greeting adopted in most Jewish communities is the same: “Shabbat shalom!” ("Peaceful Saturday!"). And the answer is usually “Shabbat shalom u mevorach!” (“Peaceful and Blessed Saturday!”).
