“Shabbat Shalom” is a greeting that greets every Jew on Saturday. On Saturday, Jews stop any activity and sit down at the festive table. Where the tradition came from and what it means, we will consider further.
The origin of the holiday
According to the scriptures, the Creator created the world in six days, and rested in the seventh. For Jews, the festival was established through Moses more than 3,000 years ago. Before the exodus from Egypt, there was no sense in the holiday, because the slaves did not rest, and the gentlemen did not need a rest, they did not work.
The Sabbath command was included in Jewish law when a covenant was made on Mount Sinai. The obligation to comply with it was established not only for Jews, but also for everyone who lives next to them.
On this day, the Jews try not to think about the body and food, but turn their eyes to the heavenly, the eternal. They visit the synagogue and gather with the whole family at the table.
Celebration Features
Saturday observance begins Friday night. As sunset sets in, Jews say to everyone: “Shabbat shalom!” These words mean the wish of a pacified Saturday to every Jew he meets. The literal translation of the Shabbat Shalom is Saturday.
On Friday night, the mistress of the house lights candles and prays for the children. Father blesses a glass of wine with special words. On this day, special bread is used - challah. After saying the prayers, the family starts the meal. Any vain talk is forbidden. Candles create a special atmosphere; holiday songs are sung at the table. Peace and tranquility reign in the house.
The end of the Sabbath is after sunset on Saturday, that is, the celebration lasts about 25 hours.
Saturday rituals
With the greeting “Shabbat Shalom,” the Sabbath rest begins. Mandatory rituals for observing Jewish Sabbath are as follows:
- Lighting candles As already mentioned, the hostess does this with words of blessing. At least two candles are lit.
- Prayers On Friday evening, men attend a synagogue to say prayers.
- Festive meal. After men visit the synagogue, all family members sit at the table for a solemn meal. Father blesses children, hymns are sung.
- The consecration of the day is kiddush. Father blesses the day with special words over a glass of wine. In this challah covered with a napkin. After the blessing, all present say “amen.” Then the head of the family drinks wine and gives a drink to everyone present.
- Hand washing. Everyone participating in the meal should wash their hands and wipe them with the pronunciation of the words of the glorification of the Creator.
- The meal. On the table, in addition to treats, there are always two challahs covered with a napkin. They are reminiscent of the two parts of the heavenly manna that God gave to Jews before the Sabbath day. The father of the family prays and cuts challah, dips into salt, eats himself, and then gives it to those present. Then you can eat the rest of the dishes.
- Closing Saturday. It comes in the evening with the sunset. A special prayer is uttered for a meal and a glass of wine. Saturday ends.
What does Shabbat Shalom mean to a Jew? These are special words, for the Jewish holiday of the Sabbath is an eternal establishment, a symbol of the covenant between God and man.
On the eve of the Sabbath, Jews clean the house, cover the table with a tablecloth, cut toilet paper, prepare holiday dishes, bake challah.
Saturday nuances
Tourists who find themselves in Israel need to consider several points:
- On Friday night, all establishments complete their work: shops, cafes, museums. Their opening will occur after the end of the Shabbat - on Saturday evening, or in the morning on Sunday.
- City transport does not work on Saturday. If you need to get there, you can do it by taxi or a rented car.
- On Saturday, elevators open on every floor so that Jews can not press a button or violate a commandment. Such elevators exist in most Israeli hotels.
- Emergency and medical services are open on Saturday. Jews believe that the commandment can be broken to save a person’s life.
What else cannot be done on Saturday? According to tradition, Jews are forbidden any creative work, as a result of which the surrounding world is transformed. It is forbidden to light a fire, turn on electricity, ride a bus. But non-creative activities are allowed. That is, cut vegetables, you can read a book.
Spiritual and earthly significance
“Shabbat Shalom” is pronounced from Friday evening and throughout the Sabbath. These words and the wish of “peaceful Saturday” draws a person to his highest mission on earth. The answer in most Jewish communities is as follows: "Shabbat shalom at mevors!" ("The Sabbath is peaceful and blessed!").
Initially, the Sabbath reminded a person of his Creator and of deliverance from slavery.
To this day, the Sabbath rest stops a person in his earthly bustle, provides an opportunity to relax, chat with family and friends, enjoy nature, restore strength. Saturday allows a person to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Jewish Saturday is a great achievement for man, which makes it possible to realize the events of the life path and turn to God.