The Jews have a weekly celebration, which is celebrated every Friday at sunset. It is called “Shabbat Shalom,” which means “Hello, Saturday.” Every Jew respects the sixth day of the week, which reminds him of his spiritual purpose in life. Let us find out the Shabbat - what kind of holiday it is and how it is celebrated in Israel.
Peaceful Saturday
Shabbat Shalom is a festive Friday evening dinner dedicated to the Sabbath. Why is this day of the week considered holy for the Jews? Because it is one of the foundations of the unity of the Jewish people. This holy day reminds the Jews that they were once slaves in Egypt. But later the Almighty led the people out of there so that they would receive the Torah in the Sinai. Saturday is a symbol of the Jewish exodus from physical slavery and their spiritual freedom. Celebrating the Sabbath is also a direct fulfillment by the Jews of God's 4th commandment: “
Remember the Sabbath evening to sanctify it. Work 6 days, and dedicate the 7th day to your Almighty ... ”For a religious Jew,“ Rest Day ”is very important - Shabbat. What is this holiday for Israel? It can be said that Israel stands on the Sabbath. On Saturday, polyclinics, government agencies and most stores do not work in the country. Public transport does not go through the streets of Israel from 15.00 (winter) and from 16.00 (summer) every Friday. People can get to the place only by taxi, which work at higher (Saturday) tariffs.
How is the holiday celebrated?
Jewish Shabbat existed even in Ancient Egypt. The Jews who were in Egyptian slavery received permission to rest on Saturday. And all thanks to Moshe. He grew up in a Pharaoh family. For several years, Moshe watched the debilitating work of his brothers. He felt sorry for them, and he turned to Pharaoh with a request to give the slaves a day of rest per week. And the pharaoh agreed. Therefore, the Shabbat reminds the Jews not only of the 4th commandment of the Most High, but also of the exodus from Egyptian slavery. Preparation for the holiday begins on Friday. In the evening, at
sunset, the whole family gathers for a festive meal. Shabbat lasts a day: from Friday sunset to a similar Saturday time (a feature of Jewish holidays). A woman is preparing for the holiday; she lights candles before Peaceful Saturday.
On the eve of the holiday
The main holiday of Israel is Shabbat. What is it, we managed to find out. We will learn how the Jews are preparing for Peaceful Saturday. In Israel, a woman is called the "light of the house." She has been given an important role in preparing for the Sabbath. Jews have a centuries-old tradition of baking for the great challah festival. A woman baking holiday bread with her own hands performs one of the sacred mitzvahs. Preparation for the holiday begins on Friday morning. A woman begins to cook challahs and various dishes for the table. At the same time, she tries every cooked dish. But she must do this correctly: not to spit out food, but to swallow food by pronouncing Brachi. The festive table must be covered with a tablecloth before the end of the holiday (preferably white). Before the Sabbath, every man and every woman takes a bath or shower. If there is not much time left before the holiday, then only hands and face can be washed with water.
Candle lighting
This holy rite is performed by Jewish women.
The lighting of candles on Shabbat is done with special care and devotion. This ritual brings peace and harmony to Jewish homes. Women who celebrate the holiday at home usually light 2 candles directly on or near the holiday table. Sometimes
oil lamps are used instead
. The fact that the mistress of the house lit candles does not mean the beginning of the Shabbat for households. They can do their usual business. But the woman from this moment does not have the right to do work and eat food before sunset. Candles must be lit no later than 18 minutes before sunset. They cannot be moved from place to place. For Shabbat, long candles are purchased so that they can serve until the end of the festive meal.
Saturday meal
This is one of the highlights of the holiday. The family gathers at the Friday table, on which candles are already burning. Households and guests should sit at the festive table in a good mood, forgetting about the problems of everyday life and anxiety. Before starting the meal, the Jews sing “Shalom Aleichem”, make Kiddush and wash their hands. Shabbat is coming. Its start time is sunset on Friday. The whole family begins a meal, which should consist of the best food: fish, meat and various goodies. 2 challas are served on the table when Shabbat comes. What is it and why is it eaten in double size? Challah is the white bread that a Jewish woman prepares for Peace Saturday. On the table are placed 2 servings of celebratory bread in memory of the heavenly manna that the Almighty gave the Jews when they returned from Egypt through the desert. On that day, God gave the people of heavenly bread twice as much. Manna is heavenly bread. On Shabbat, it is associated with challah. During the festive meal, the Jews sing the Sabbath songs. It is believed that during the Sabbath, an atmosphere of joy and peace should reign in the house. Everyone who gathered at the festive table discusses the events of the current week or tell interesting stories from life.
Shalom!
Jews greet each other by pronouncing the word "shalom." Translated, it means "perfection." Therefore, “shalom” is an external manifestation of a better internal quality and condition of a person. Perfection here is not associated with physical parameters, but represents a spiritual state. Therefore, at meetings, the Jews pronounce “Shalom!”, Thereby wishing each other spiritual perfection. The same word is used in parting. It’s easy to guess why Saturday has such a name - “Shabbat shalom!”. Jews say Peace Saturday is a magnificent holiday that Israel can be proud of. Shabbat helps the Jewish people realize that there are higher values in life than earthly goods and the thirst for material gain. Shabbat teaches us to live for eternity and holiness. And those who honor the Sabbath will be rewarded according to their deserts. " More than the Jews kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath kept the Jews ."