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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.
What else can I help you with?
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.
Is Shabbat important?
yes for ordodox and ultra-orthodox jews reform jews might adapt the rules of shabbat
Why did the sabbathbecome so important to the Jews durin exile?
Shabbat has always been important to us Jews.
How do the Jews in Australia celebrate Shabbat?
The same way Jews in all other countries do.
Are Jews allowed to use public transit on Shabbat?
No, that violates the Shabbat.
How has shabbat changed throughout the years?
Fewer Jews are observing the Shabbat laws.
What does the mother do in shabbat?
The Shabbat is observed by all Jews, both men and women. However, it is the women who traditionally light the Shabbat-candles.See also:Women and the lighting of the candles
What do the Jews do to celebrate the shabbat?
they rest for the day
What is the Sabbath day for Jews Called?
Shabbat
What does shabatt shalom mean?
Shabbat Shalom is a greeting that Jews say to each other on Shabbat (the sabbath). It means "A peaceful Shabbat"
Do Orthodox Jews answer their phones on Shabbat?
No, Orthodox Jews do not use phones during Shabbat except for major emergencies such as someone's life being at risk.
Australia impact on shabbat?
Orthodox Jews live in Australia, so they observe Shabbat, too.
Why is the shabbat jewish?
Because for 3300 years the Jews have kept the Torah-tradition of Shabbat-observance.
