SHABBAT

Shabbat is a festive day when Jewish people exercise their freedom from their labours of everyday life. It offers an opportunity to contemplate the spiritual aspects of life and spend time with family.

Shabbat starts a few minutes before sunset on Friday until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. Shabbat is ushered in by lighting candles and reciting a blessing. Traditionally there are three meals. One eaten in the evening, then early afternoon, and late afternoon. The evening meal and the early afternoon meal typically begin with a blessing called kiddush with a blessing recited over two loaves of challah by the Lady of the house. Shabbat is closed the following evening with a formal prayer / blessing.

1. To commemorate God's creation of the universe, on the seventh day God did rest from all work

2. To commemorate the Israelites' redemption from slavery in Egypt

It is recorded as the first holy day in Genesis where it is written God was the first to observe the cessation of his Creation (Genesis 2:1–3).