The Book of Genesis relates that God created the world in six days, and on the seventh day He rested. The Sages say that on the seventh day, God created “rest,” for without rest, creativity is impossible.

21. Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest; in plowing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

In Hebrew, the seventh day is called Shabbat (known by the English term “Sabbath”), and begins every Friday night at sundown and continues until Saturday evening at sundown. “Shabbat” comes from the Hebrew verb שבת (shavat) meaning to “cease.”

8. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Shabbat is instituted in the Ten Commandments, and is a sacred day of peace, rest, gratitude, celebration, renewal, reflection, and recovery. Shabbat is an essential element of success for the upcoming week, and propels us towards our goals.

Celebrating Shabbat allows one the opportunity to tune out the noise of the world, and reconnect with and enjoy family, friends, community, and oneself. It is a time to cease from daily worries and from the hustle and bustle; it is a time to take special note of the gifts that God has given you. Shabbat is a special day to connect with our Creator, and when we celebrate it, we are acknowledging Him as the Creator of the Universe.

12. Observe the sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD thy God commanded thee.

Shabbat is celebrated in many ways, and usually involves a family dinner on Friday night (Erev Shabbat). Traditionally, candles are lit, sweet wine (or grape juice) is drunk, hands are washed, and challah bread is eaten—each with its appropriate blessing. (Challah is a braided loaf of bread traditionally baked to honor Shabbat.)

Attending Shabbat services is also an important part of the day.

The Hebrew term Shabbat Shalom is a customary way to greet others on or before the Sabbath. “Shabbat” means “Sabbath” and “shalom” means “peace.” Essentially, when you say “Shabbat Shalom,” you are wishing someone the peace which is brought by the Sabbath day.

If you would like to join Ralph Messer & STBM for Shabbat, click here for locations and times.

Please feel free to join us through live stream as well! You can watch via…

Pronunciation Guide for Transliterated Hebrew Words

a [a] as in arm
ai [ai] as in Thailand
e [e] as in red
ei [ei] as in eight
i [i] as in ski
o [o] as in score
oi [oi] as in oil
u [u] as in rule
ui [ui] as in gluing
ch/kh [ch] as in the Scottish loch
g [g] as in good (not as in giant)
tz [ts] as in hats
‘ short “eh” or “uh” sound

The Hebrew Scriptures in this text have been derived from the Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC), and the English translation is based off of the JPS 1917 Tanakh.