This is a Shabbat greeting in Hebrew. The Friday night before and the entire Saturday is greeted with this phrase, “Shabbat Shalom,” שבת שלום, which means “peaceful Saturday.”
Shabbat is the seventh day of the week, which is essentially a holiday for Jews. Already the day before Shabbat, Jews begin to wish each other “Shabbat Shalom,” that is, “peaceful Saturday” or “hello Saturday.” The main rule of Saturday (Shabbat) is that a person should not work.
Greetings from Friday evening and Saturday in Hebrew. Shabbat is Saturday, shalom is peace. This is a possessive construction, שבת של שלום, Shabbat shel shalom, the Sabbath of peace, that is, a peaceful Sabbath. Literally: “Sabbath rest.”
Shabbat shalom
In Hebrew it literally means wishing for a peaceful Sabbath. This is a unique greeting that can be used at any time on Shabbat, although it is customary to say it at the conclusion of the Saturday Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony.
Gut Shabes
This similar expression in Yiddish literally means “have a good Shabbat.” Similar to the expression “Shabbat Shalom,” it is used to greet each person on Shabbat. From my experience, I know that the greeting “Gut Shabes” can be celebrated in casual conversation or when meeting people, while “Shabbat Shalom” is more used to conclude the ritual of Kabbalat Shabbat.
Shavua tov
Translated from Hebrew - “have a good (good) week.” The greeting is used after the ritual of Havdalah (a ceremony marking the end of Shabbat) to wish someone a good week ahead.
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!
K abalat Shabbat (literally "receiving the Sabbath") means welcoming the Sabbath on Friday evening. This makes Friday night special for Jews—especially Jewish families. Having a family meal together on Friday is everyone's responsibility, with no excuses. Even for many secular Jews who have not observed any of God's decrees for a long time, gathering at home on Shabbat is an event of the greatest importance. It became an integral part of Jewish culture. This article is an overview of the traditions and reasons why Shabbat is important and the impact it has on the entire Jewish community.
Firstly - Why does Shabbat start on Friday evening? The very idea of the Sabbath first appears in the story of creation, when describing the movement of the time of day: “and there was evening, and there was morning: the sixth day.” And then all the days are described in the same way, starting in the evening. So, with the appearance of the first three stars in the sky, Shabbat begins.
Shabbat Traditions
Not all families follow all of these traditions, but lighting two candles and eating bread and wine is the most common part of the family meal.
1) The lady of the house lights two candles and recites the blessing on Shabbat - thus representing the two references to the ten commandments in the Torah, which include two regulations about Shabbat - remembering it and observing it.
2) The father places his hands on the heads of each of his children and blesses them - the most touching part of the traditional Jewish Shabbat, which helps parents express and affirm the love for their children during this special family time.
3) The family sits together at the table and the head of the family says kiddush over a cup of wine. This is the blessing and sanctification of Shabbat: “Blessed are You, Lord, King of the universe, Who created the fruit of the vine.”. The kiddush cup is a reminder of two different reasons to keep Shabbat, one to follow God's pattern of creating the world in seven days, and the other to remember that they were delivered from slavery. Kiddush commemorates the creation as well as the miraculous exodus from Egypt.
4) Two loaves of bread - “challah” - are traditionally broken with a blessing: “Blessed are You, Lord, King of the universe, Who brought forth bread from the earth.”. The bread is broken, dipped in salt and given to each family member. The two rolls are served in memory of the double portion of manna that was given to the Israelites every Friday so that they would not collect manna on Shabbat. Salt is always on the table in memory of the absence of the Temple - and the table is like an altar in the Temple, because there was always salt on the sacrifices on the altar.
5) Sometimes songs or blessings are sung, depending on how traditional the family is - either about the Shabbat itself, or from the Psalms or Proverbs 31 (about the godly wife), as praise for the wife.
6) At the end of the meal, thanksgiving for the food is often said, along with a special blessing for each type of food, always centered on two components - bread and wine.
Doesn't remind you of anything?
As you may have noticed, many aspects of the Jewish Shabbat are full of messianic significance! Particularly when we read in Hebrews that Yeshua Himself is our rest, and “entering into rest” is the way of experiencing the new freedom of salvation that we have in Him. When we consider that the story of the Exodus is about the Jewish people emerging from slavery, through deliverance through blood and unleavened bread, into a covenant with God, and then into the Promised Land, how amazing it is to note the parallels in Shabbat traditions with the coming salvation of the Messiah! The Kiddush cup, symbolizing the blood of deliverance, and the broken bread of salvation and provision, which we receive before we “enter into rest” on Shabbat. Isn't this wonderful?
“More than the Jews kept the Shabbat, the Shabbat kept the Jews”
I love traditions that help honor every member of the family, especially those who sometimes don't get as much respect as others. Shabbat traditions helped Jewish families survive the most difficult times, during times of trial and persecution, during two thousand years of exile.
While many other peoples, being oppressed, cruelly tortured and scattered, fell apart and were destroyed by these sufferings, the Jewish people, somehow, by adhering to their God-ordained culture, survived. Actually, it was well said: “More than the Jews kept the Shabbat, the Shabbat kept the Jews.”
Loving the Giver more than the gift
But, unfortunately, over time, the praise of the Sabbath has reached god-like status. In the Middle Ages, when Christian persecution of the Jewish people was particularly severe, a song called "Lekha Dodi" (come, my beloved) was written about the Sabbath as if in anticipation of the coming of the "Queen of the Sabbath", and words from the Song of Solomon were spoken in reference to the Sabbath itself . The Song of Songs is seen as an analogy for the love of God and His people, rather than the people of God and the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a holy and precious gift, but it cannot replace God Himself, and all honor should be given to the Creator, not to His gifts.
Of course, all people have a tendency to love (more visible) gifts instead of the One who gave them, but this is idolatry. Think about your life for a moment and remember the times when you do the same. Each of us is in this battle of keeping God at the center of our love and praise, but when God is not first, things go wrong. We're missing out on the best.
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God, in His mercy, has kept the Jewish people strong, united, and culturally united over the centuries in no other way than by miraculous means. Following His wisely given laws and commandments, such as keeping the Sabbath, made their preservation possible in many ways. But let us pray that the people of Israel will once again be filled with a thirst for Him who gave the commandments, and not be satisfied with the commandments themselves. Let's pray for the awakening of His people - for life from the dead! Pray with us this Shabbat for the Jewish people around the world, for revelation and salvation, and for them to truly “enter into His rest.” Amen.
Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/261818/jewish/A-Brief-History-of-Shabbat.htm
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 the Saturday holiday table is 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!
Which is celebrated weekly. Shabbat begins on Friday evening, after sunset, and continues until sunset on Saturday evening. It is worth noting that absolutely all Jewish holidays are celebrated this way - from sunset, and sunset the next day. The source of this lies in the biblical phrase “And there was evening and there was morning...” That is, from the point of view of the Torah (Bible), the day begins in the evening.
Transport on Shabbat: on Shabbat, or more precisely from mid-Friday - approximately 15-00 in winter and 16-17-00 in summer, public transport (buses, trains) stops operating. Taxis (route and regular) continue to operate as usual, but at Saturday rates, which are slightly higher.
Normal public transport service resumes at the end of Saturday, usually about an hour after sunset.
If you arrive on Shabbat, you should find out in advance the route you will take to get to the hotel. As a rule, the best option There will be minibuses or regular taxis, as well as a pre-booked transfer from the airport.
If you travel using only public transport, then it is worth it in such a way that on Shabbat you would not have to walk/take a taxi far. In addition, it is on Shabbat that you should book an individual or group tour to one of the attractions of Israel.
I don’t work as a government worker on Shabbat. institutions- banks, post offices, ministries.
Clinics are closed on Shabbat. Hospitals are open on Shabbat, but in a special, Saturday mode, that is, if someone needs first aid, then of course they will provide it. In addition, several private medical centers operate on Shabbat, where you can also get first aid. medical care– MALRAM AND BIKUR ROFE.
Hotels in Israel at the best prices:
Most shops and supermarkets are closed on Shabbat. Essential products - water, bread, cigarettes (whatever) can be purchased at kiosks and small shops open on Shabbat.
Majority gas stations They work as usual on Shabbat. In addition, many gas stations have small shops that can be used for small purchases.
Many people don't work on Shabbat. restaurants. The reason is “Kashrut” - compliance of food with Jewish law. In Israel, the majority of the population eats kosher food, which means that most restaurants try to be “kosher”, and one of the conditions is that the restaurant closes on Shabbat.
On the other hand, those restaurants that do not set themselves the goal of being kosher, and let’s say more than half of such restaurants work, as they say, to the fullest on Shabbat.
On Shabbat, entry is usually closed to areas in which the majority of the population is ultra-Orthodox - Bnei Brak (except for the central road that runs through the entire city - Jabotinsky Street and some “mixed” areas of the city), Elad, some areas of Beit Shemesh and some areas Jerusalem.
Otherwise, we are talking about a normal day off. On Shabbat you will find a huge number of people on the beaches and in parks. All beaches, parks, and nature reserves are operating as usual.
Hotels in Israel at the best prices:
If you have relatives or good friends in Israel who lead a religious lifestyle, then it makes sense to attend the Shabbat meeting at home - we are talking about a beautiful, bright ceremony with festive songs and prayers. True, you can’t take pictures on it - Shabbat.
On the one hand, everyone knows that “nothing works in Israel on Shabbat.” On the other hand, we have to explain that this stereotype is not always true. Indeed, all government institutions, most public transport, including railway, they don’t work on Shabbat. A large number of shops, restaurants and cafes are closed. However, in cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, this rule does not always apply. More and more shopping centers and places catering available on Shabbat. Open national parks, amusement parks, entertainment venues, many museums. You can find functioning public transport and taxis.
The main advice I would give in connection with all of the above is:
If you are making any plans for days that fall on Shabbat, make sure in advance that the locations or services you need are open during this time.
And remember - Shabbat begins on Friday evening, before sunset. Friday is a short working day. Everything that is not open on Shabbat begins to close on Friday morning. Shabbat ends on Saturday after sunset. Accordingly, everything that did not work on Shabbat, including public transport, begins to open on Saturday an hour or two after sunset.
Please note that on days that fall on Shabbat, hotels are more expensive than on weekdays.
The main horror story about Shabbat is that if you drive a car into a religious area on Shabbat, they will throw stones at you... Well, there is a theoretical possibility of getting a stone in your car window from some idiot. Precedents have happened. But, firstly, the likelihood of this is very low. You will have the greatest chance of getting into such a story in Jerusalem. Although even there, the most you can “count on” is indignant cries of “Shabes!” and “gevalt!” And so, the most “severe” religious areas usually lie far from tourist automobile “paths”, or are blocked by a barrier. I also advise that on Shabbat, if you meet a person wearing a kippah (such a cap on his head is a yarmulke), do not contact him with requests like “let me have a smoke”... or even better, do not contact him at all - it’s easier than studying “ rules of Shabbat etiquette." Just look around and find someone who doesn't look religious.
I also advise you to take into account that There are much fewer cars on the roads on Shabbat than on weekdays. And there are practically no traffic jams. On the other hand, towards the end of the Sabbath, when many Israelis return home from visiting or vacationing, traffic jams may begin to form like an avalanche. The direction from the north (from Haifa) to the south - towards Tel Aviv - becomes especially tense. Also on Saturday the occupancy rate of all kinds of recreation and entertainment places is very high. Where there are usually not many people on a weekday, on Saturday, when Israelis have a day off, the attendance can increase significantly! Please take this into account when planning your events.
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