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Because it is commanded by God.
The origin of the Shabbat is in the Torah (Genesis ch.2, Leviticus ch.23, Exodus ch.20 and many other passages). Since the Sabbath is a day blessed by God (Genesis ch.2), he gave it to the Israelites as a treasured gift to be cherished (Talmud, Beitzah 15b). It is a day of rest (Exodus ch.20, ch.31), and a day of strengthening ties with the family, the community, and with God.
The Jewish Sabbath is from Friday sundown until Saturday after twilight.
There are two main aspects to Shabbat observance: what we do and what we don't do.
What we don't do: we're not permitted to work on the Shabbat (Exodus ch.20). This includes 39 categories of productive interaction with the world, such as planting, writing, kindling fire, etc. (Talmud, Shabbat 73b).
On Shabbat morning, we again attend synagogue. The services are longer than on weekdays and include prayers as well as reading the weekly Torah-portion.
There's often a kiddush (refreshments) afterwards, and congregants then have a chance to schmooze (to talk). Towards the late afternoon, there's another (short) service (Shabbat mincha).
After Friday night services and on Shabbat morning after services, we come home, often with guests, make kiddush (blessing over wine), and have a leisurely multi-course Shabbat meal including singing and words of Torah. Customarily, that week's Torah-reading (parsha) will be a topic of conversation; and the children of the family will be asked to speak of what they've learned in school.
Link: The Shabbat meals
After that, Shabbat is a quiet time: no phones, radio or TV (etc.), just schmoozing, taking walks, visiting friends, reading, learning Torah, playing Board Games, etc.
Husband and wife, in particular, finally have a chance to be together after a hectic week.
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CoachAnswer 1
- Shabbat ensures that Jews spend time each week reading the Torah and thinking about what God has given them
- Shabbat gives the Jews time to remember who they are. It keeps their Jewish identity
- Shabbat gives people a chance to spend time with their families. They have time to talk to each other about their week
- On Shabbat Jews go to the synagogue to worship God and to meet fellow Jews
- People work hard during the week. Shabbat gives people a chance to relax
- Shabbat is celebrated by Jews all over the world. This gives them a sense of belonging to a worldwide family
- Shabbat joins the whole family in worship. The daughter is taught how to welcome Shabbat by her mother who was also taught by her mother. This shows the continuation of the religion
- Shabbat means that Jews keep God's commandment to 'keep the Sabbath day holy' and to do no work
- At Shabbat Jews unwind and refresh themselves physically and mentally before the start of the next busy week
It is important because God instituted it (Genesis ch.2) and commanded us to follow suit (Exodus 31:12-17). By observing the Sabbath, we testify that God created the world (Exodus 20:7-10). This in turn means that the world is not ownerless or accidental; God is King of the universe. The Sabbath also reminds us of the Exodus (Deuteronomy 5:13-14). According to our tradition, the Ten Commandments were given on the Sabbath day (Talmud, Shabbat 86a), so it reminds us of the Giving of the Torah also.
Answer 3
It reminds Jews of the story of creation
Answer 4
The Sabbath is to Jews what Sunday is to Christians
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Is Shabbat important?
yes for ordodox and ultra-orthodox jews reform jews might adapt the rules of shabbat
How do the Jews in Australia celebrate Shabbat?
The same way Jews in all other countries do.
Can Jews use a phone during Shabbat?
Religiously observant Jews will not use phones during Shabbat. The exception being if there is an emergency - medical, fire, etc. where lives are at risk.
If you board a flight before shabbat is it okay to land on shabbat?
Religiously observant Jews would not board a plane if Shabbat were to start while in transit. The issue wouldn't be landing during Shabbat, the issue would be flying during Shabbat.
How do orthadox and reform Jews celebrate shabbat differently?
Yes. Orthodox Jews do "everything by the book". Reform Jews do anything they want.
