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).
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.
Answer 1
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
yes for ordodox and ultra-orthodox jews reform jews might adapt the rules of shabbat
The same way Jews in all other countries do.
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.
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.
Yes. Orthodox Jews do "everything by the book". Reform Jews do anything they want.
yes for ordodox and ultra-orthodox jews reform jews might adapt the rules of shabbat
Shabbat has always been important to us Jews.
The same way Jews in all other countries do.
No, that violates the Shabbat.
Fewer Jews are observing the Shabbat laws.
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
they rest for the day
Shabbat
Shabbat Shalom is a greeting that Jews say to each other on Shabbat (the sabbath). It means "A peaceful Shabbat"
No, Orthodox Jews do not use phones during Shabbat except for major emergencies such as someone's life being at risk.
Orthodox Jews live in Australia, so they observe Shabbat, too.
Because for 3300 years the Jews have kept the Torah-tradition of Shabbat-observance.