The Jewish day begins at sunset, and all festivals and Sabbaths are marked by the lighting of candles or oil lamps in the home a little before sunset.
Each week is marked by the celebration of the Sabbath. This is celebrated in remembrance of the creation of the world, but is also an act of obedience – Exodus 20:9-10 commands Sabbath day observance. It is essentially a day of rest.
Friday is a day of preparation for the Sabbath. The home is cleaned and tidied, Sabbath meals are prepared the table is laid for the evening meal and set with a clean white table cloth and the best tableware, candlesticks and a wine goblet. Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday and lasts until Sunset on Saturday.
The arrival of Sabbath is greeted with joy, not just because it marks the end to work, but because the Sabbath is a gift from God and to observe it is a pleasure and a mark of obedience.
Students can be introduced to the concept of Shabbat, or Sabbath, through the Creation story ("And on the seventh day God rested") or through life in the times of Jesus.
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Some resources that could support the understanding of Shabbat for younger students are "Shabbat Shalom Grover" (by Sesame Street) and the "Torah Tots" website.