When is Shabbat? Time of the Jewish Sabbath in Judaism

Shabbat, a day of rest and celebration, holds a special and holy place in the Jewish religion. When is Shabbat? It’s a day that commences with the lighting of the Shabbat candles as the sun sets on Friday evening and concludes with the Havdalah ceremony on the following Saturday night. It is a distinct day, set apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the week, designed to bring a sense of tranquility and restfulness.

Shabbat is not just a day, but a commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt, the story of creation, and the sacred commandments bestowed upon the Jewish people by God. It’s a day where the greeting “Shabbat Shalom” reverberates, extending wishes of peace to all on this blessed day.

This comprehensive guide will shed more light on the details of Shabbat, a fundamental part of Jewish life. We will examine closely when this revered day commences and concludes, and the ceremonious traditions that mark these significant moments in the Jewish community.

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featured image: Photo by Benny Rotlevy on Unsplash

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When does the Jewish Shabbat Start?
How is Shabbat Celebrated?
Special Shabbat Observances at the Synagogue
The Typical Shabbat Experience
When Does Shabbat End?
The Conclusion of Shabbat
Differing Perspectives: When Does Shabbat Begin?
The Lunar Shabbat
Conclusion

When does the Jewish Shabbat Start?

Shabbat, a treasured Jewish holiday, begins every Friday at sundown, marking the start of a day of rest. The timing is determined by nightfall, which is when three stars are visible in the sky.

The exact time can vary depending on where you live, as sundown happens at different times around the world. That’s why you may hear the term “Jewish Sabbath times,” which refers to the specific times Shabbat begins and ends in different locations.

This observance is deeply rooted in Judaism’s story of creation, where God rested on the seventh day.

Traditionally, the start of Shabbat is marked in Jewish homes by lighting the Shabbat candles, a ritual typically performed by the woman of the house. Blessings are recited over the candles to sanctify the day and bring in the holiness of Shabbat.

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How is Shabbat Celebrated?

After the Shabbat candles are lit, a special Shabbat meal is usually shared among family and friends. This meal often begins with Kiddush, a prayer over wine or grape juice and includes traditional Shabbat foods. Synagogue services also take place on Friday night and Saturday morning, where the Torah is read.

Shabbat is a day of rest, but it doesn’t mean just sleeping all day. It’s about taking a break from regular work and activities. This is referred to as being a “Shomer Shabbat,” a Hebrew term meaning “guardian of the Sabbath.” Jewish law outlines 39 Shabbat rules, meaning the categories of work that are forbidden on Shabbat, including things like lighting a fire, which in modern times includes the use of electricity.

Special Shabbat Observances at the Synagogue

On Shabbat morning, Jewish communities gather at the synagogue to celebrate. Traditional Jewish prayers and blessings are recited, and the Torah is read. This gathering is a key component of the Sabbath observance.

Shabbat afternoon holds a different rhythm. Many enjoy an afternoon meal, relax, and take time to enjoy the peace of the day. Then, as the sun starts to set, marking the end of Shabbat, another ritual called Havdalah takes place.

The Typical Shabbat Experience

Shabbat is more than just a day of rest; it’s a time to disconnect from the usual activities of the week and to reconnect with family, faith, and community. From the lighting of the Shabbat candles at the beginning of Shabbat to the Havdalah ceremony at its conclusion, it’s a day filled with traditions and customs.

On Friday night, families and friends gather for a special Shabbat dinner. This meal typically begins with the woman of the house lighting the candles, followed by prayers over wine (Kiddush) and challah bread (Hamotzi).

Throughout the week, the observance of Shabbat provides a unique rhythm to Jewish life. It serves as a reminder of both the creation story, where God rested on the seventh day, and the Exodus, when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.

When Does Shabbat End?

The ending of Shabbat is as significant as its beginning. It concludes on Saturday evening when three stars become visible in the sky. This time is often referred to as nightfall.

Observance of the Sabbath, or Shabbat observance, is deeply rooted in Jewish law and tradition. Saturday afternoon, in particular, holds special rituals and customs. It’s common to have a third meal, often in the late afternoon, which serves as a final festive meal before Shabbat ends.

The Conclusion of Shabbat

The conclusion of Shabbat is marked by a beautiful ceremony called Havdalah. This is when the beautiful Havdalah blessings are said over wine, fragrant besamim spices, and a multi-wicked Havdalah candle. Lighting this special candle symbolizes the departure of the Shabbat, a day of rest and holiness, and the beginning of a new week. The light of the candle also serves as a reminder of the creation story, where God separated light from darkness.

It’s important to note that exact candle lighting times can vary based on geographical location and time of year. This is because the time of sunset and the appearance of stars can change depending on these factors. So, Jewish people often check specific Shabbat times for their area to ensure they are observing the Sabbath at the right time.

Differing Perspectives: When Does Shabbat Begin?

Shabbat, the holy day of rest and celebration in Judaism, traditionally begins at sundown on Friday evening and concludes at nightfall on Saturday. This practice is based on readings from the Torah, the Hebrew Bible. In the story of creation in Genesis, the sequence of “evening” before “morning” suggests that a day starts at sunset. This interpretation has been a cornerstone of Jewish observance for many centuries.

However, within the broad spectrum of Jewish beliefs and customs, some interpret the start of Shabbat differently. A less common perspective is that Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, begins at dawn on Saturday, indicating a belief that the day begins at sunrise. This viewpoint is part of a larger debate concerning the start of a day according to Jewish law.

The rationale for the sunset start time is deeply rooted in the Bible. Genesis 1:5 states: “And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Here, evening precedes morning, which has led to the widespread Jewish practice of starting the Sabbath at sundown.

On the other hand, those who advocate for a sunrise start base their viewpoint on different interpretations of biblical passages. However, this perspective holds less consensus within Jewish tradition.

While the variation in beliefs showcases the rich diversity within Judaism, it’s essential to note that most Jewish authorities agree that Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday. This practice of observing the Sabbath from Friday night dinner, a time just minutes before sunset, until the appearance of three stars on Saturday evening, has been a traditional Jewish observance passed down through generations.

The Lunar Shabbat

The Lunar Sabbath is a belief observed by a minority within the Sabbath-keeping community, particularly certain sects of the Hebrew Roots movement, that the weekly cycle resets with each new moon. Instead of the Sabbath being a constant seventh day like Saturday or Sunday, the Lunar Sabbath is observed on set days of the lunar month: the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, regardless of the day of the week these dates fall on in the Gregorian calendar.

The concept of the Lunar Sabbath is based on the interpretation of several passages from the Hebrew Bible. However, it’s worth noting that this practice differs significantly from the mainstream Jewish understanding of Sabbath observance, which follows a consistent seven-day cycle that does not reset with each new moon.

The Lunar Sabbath interpretation is not widely accepted within Judaism or even within all Sabbath-keeping Christian denominations. The mainstream Jewish tradition maintains a continuous seven-day cycle for the Sabbath, based on the account of creation in the Book of Genesis, where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, establishing the weekly cycle that continues uninterrupted until today.

Conclusion

Shabbat is a special day set apart from the rest of the week. It’s a time to rest, to celebrate, and to reflect. It’s a time when work is set aside, not because it is bad, but because rest is good. As the sun sets on Friday evening and the stars come out, a time of rest begins, a time that God has commanded to be different.

Shabbat is also about remembering, celebrating, and renewing our spirit for the week to come. It’s a day of joy, a day of peace, and a day of love. It’s a beautiful part of Jewish life and tradition, a time to connect with family, with community, and with faith. It’s a day that honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to the future. And that’s what makes Shabbat so special.

So, remember to relax and enjoy this special time. Embrace the traditions and customs, wear nice clothes, read the Torah, and celebrate Shabbat. This is what makes the Sabbath a popular and significant day in Jewish life. Say “Shabbat Shalom” and enjoy the holiness of this day of rest.