What is Shabbat?
Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) is the weekly day of rest, running from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. Rooted in the Torah's account of creation, God rested on the seventh day, it's a day to step back from work and creation, reconnect with family and community, and turn toward what matters. Its rhythms include candle-lighting, festive meals, Kiddush over wine, and time for prayer, study, and rest. Many call Shabbat the foundation of Jewish life: a weekly island of meaning.
What are the customs of Shabbat?
- Candle-lighting before sunset on Friday, welcoming the day.
- Kiddush, a blessing over wine sanctifying the day, and challah (braided bread) at festive meals.
- Rest from creative work (melacha), unplugging from the week's busyness.
- Family, community, and study: Shabbat afternoon is a classic time to learn.
Why is Shabbat so central?
Shabbat is a weekly reset that no other practice provides: a fixed, recurring pause to be present rather than productive. It anchors the Jewish week and the family table, and it's the natural home for the most shareable Jewish learning, the weekly Torah portion and a Shabbat-table conversation.
In short: Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, Friday sunset to Saturday night: candles, meals, and a weekly pause to reconnect, reflect, and learn.
Make Shabbat a learning highlight with Derekh Learning
Derekh Learning prepares the weekly parsha and a Shabbat-table guide so your Shabbat includes meaningful learning, in a voice that fits your table. Start learning or read how to follow the parsha.
