What are three things that describe shabbat
- a gift from God of a day of rest and renewal
- A time to celebrate God’s creation of the world
- A time to celebrate that God kept his covenant to the Jewish people
What is the commandment about shabbat
‘Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy’ exodus (20:8)
What happens In the Friday evening service
In the Friday evening service there is a brief service in the synagogue where shabbat is welcomed like a bride coming to meet her husband (the jewish people )
What happens during the Saturday morning service
There is a long service which includes a reading from the Torah and often a sermon and prayers and blessings are given .
What happens before the reading is given
- the congregation stands when the ark is opened to reveal the torah scrolls
- the torah is taken from the Ark and dressed with a cover and various ornaments
- The torah is held in front of the congregation while verses from the scripture are chanted it is then paraded round the synagogue
- when the torah is paraded round many jews touch it with there prayer book and then with their lips
What is the significance of standing when the Ark is opened
It is a reminder of how jews stood at the bottom of mount sinai when Moses returned with the ten commandments
Why is the Ark dressed with a cover and various ornaments
The Ark is dressed as a reminder of the vestments worn by priests in early judaism
Why is the Ark paraded round the synagogue
The parade of the torah represents the march through the wilderness, when Jews carried the original ark from mount sinai to Jerusalem
Why do people touch the torah with their lips and their prayer book when it is being paraded round
This recalls Ezekiel 3:3 which tells Jews that Gods words should always be on their lips and sweet like honey
What is done in preparation for shabbat
- All work is done before shabbat begins on friday evening
- Everything is neat and made presentable
- at least two candles are placed on the table
- Two loves of challah bread are placed on the table
- Wine is placed on the table in special kiddush cups
Why must work be done before shabbat
Most types of work are not allowed on shabbat as stated in the fourth commandment
When must the house be cleaned
Jews must make their homes clean and presentable as shabbat is seen as a bride or queen in the home
Why are two candles placed on the table
The two candles are placed on the table to represent the two commandments to ‘remember’ and ‘observe’ shabbat
Why is the challah bread placed on the table
The challah bread represents the food that God provided for the Jews on shabbat when they were wondering in the wilderness
Why is wine drank on shabbat
Drinking wine on shabbat symbolises joy and celebration
How is shabbat welcomed into the home
Shabbat is welcomed by the lighting of candles
- A female member of the family lights two candles before sunset on Friday
- she then beckons her arms around the candles and says a blessing
- she then says a prayer asking God to bless her family
What happens during and before the special meal the family share
- Before the meal the parents bless their children and the head of the household recites kiddish blessings while holding the kiddush cup
- To begin the meal bread is blessed and passed round so everyone has a peice
- Then the family have the meal and after each course the family may discuss religious stories
- Then the meal ends with a thanksgiving prayer
What happens after the saturday morning service
The family share another special meal
What is the end of shabbat marked by
The havdalah service
What is involved in the havdalah service and when is it performed
The havdalah service is performed at home after the sun is set and there are three stars in the sky on the saturday evening
- Blessings are performed over a cup of wine, spices ans a candle with several wicks
- These items are believed to bring light to the house once shabbat has ended
