Jews have a weekly holiday whichcelebrated every Friday with the setting of the sun. It is called "Shabbat Shalom", which means "Hello, Saturday." Every Jew respects the sixth day of the week, which reminds him of his spiritual goal in life. Find out, the Sabbath - what kind of holiday and how it is celebrated in Israel.
Peaceful Saturday
Shabbat Shalom is a festive Friday dinner,dedicated to the Sabbath. Why is this particular day of the week considered holy for the Jews? Because it is one of the foundations of the unity of the Jewish people. This holy day reminds the Jews that they were once slaves in Egypt. But later the Almighty brought the people out of there, so that they could receive the Torah at Sinai. The Sabbath is a symbol of the withdrawal of Jews from physical slavery and their attainment of spiritual freedom. The Sabbath celebration is also a direct fulfillment by the Jews of the 4th commandment of God: “
Remember Saturday night to sanctify it. 6 days work, and the 7th day is dedicated to your Almighty ..."A Day of Peace" is very important for a religious Jew.- Sabbath. What is this holiday for Israel? It can be said that Israel is "standing" on the Sabbath. On Saturday, polyclinics, government agencies, and most stores do not work in the country. Public transport does not go through the streets of Israel from 15.00 (winter) and from 16.00 (summer) every Friday. People can get to the place only by taxi, which operate at higher (Saturday) fares.
How to celebrate the holiday?
The Jewish Sabbath even existed in ancient Egypt.The Jews, who were in Egyptian slavery, received permission to rest on Saturday. And all thanks to Moshe. He grew up in the family of Pharaoh. For several years, Moshe observed the exhausting work of his fellows. He felt sorry for them, and he appealed to Pharaoh with a request to give the slaves a day of rest a week. And Pharaoh agreed. Therefore, the Sabbath reminds the Jews not only about the 4th commandment of the Most High, but also about the exodus from Egyptian slavery. Preparation for the holiday begins on Friday. In the evening, at sunset, the whole family gathers for a festive meal. Shabbat lasts a day: from sunset on Friday to the same time on Saturday (a feature of the Jewish holidays). The woman is preparing for the holiday; she also lights candles before Peace Saturday.
On the eve of the holiday
Главный праздник Израиля – это шабат.What it is, we managed to find out. We find out how the Jews are preparing for "Peace Saturday". In Israel, a woman is called "the light of the house." She has an important role in preparing for Shabbat. Jews have a centuries-old tradition - to bake for the great holiday of challah. A woman baking festive bread with her own hands performs one of the sacred mitzvs. Preparation for the holiday begins on Friday morning. The woman begins to prepare challahs and various dishes to the table. At the same time she tries every cooked dish. But she is obliged to do this correctly: do not spit out food, but swallow food while uttering Brahi. The festive table must be covered with a tablecloth until the end of the holiday (preferably white). Before the Sabbath, every man and woman takes a bath or shower. If there is not enough time before the holiday, then only hands and face can be washed with water.
Lighting candles
This sacred rite is performed by Jewish women.Candles on Sabbath are lit with great care and devotion. This ritual brings peace and harmony to Jewish homes. Women who celebrate the holiday at home usually light 2 candles directly on or near the holiday table. Sometimes oil lamps are used instead. The fact that the hostess of the house lit the candles does not mean the beginning of the Sabbath for the household. They can do their usual things. But a woman from this moment has no right to do work and eat food before sunset. Candles should be lit no later than 18 minutes before sunset. They can not be moved from place to place. For Shabbat, long candles are purchased so that they can serve until the end of the festive meal.
Saturday meal
This is one of the highlights of the holiday.The family gathers at the Friday table, which is already lit candles. Households and guests should sit down at a festive table in a good mood, forgetting about the problems of everyday life and anxiety. Before they start their meal, the Jews sing “Shalom Aleichem,” commit the Kiddush, and wash their hands. The Sabbath is coming. Its time began - sunset on Friday. The whole family starts the meal, which should consist of the best food: fish, meat and various delicacies. 2 challahs are served on the table when the Sabbath comes. What is it and why is it eaten double? Challah is a white bread that is prepared by a Jewish woman for Peace Saturday. 2 servings of festive bread are put on the table in memory of the heavenly manna, which the Almighty presented to the Jews when they were returning from Egypt through the desert. That day God gave the people of heaven two times more bread. Manna is heavenly bread. On Shabbat, he is associated with challah. During the festive meal, the Jews sing Saturday songs. It is believed that during the Sabbath, an atmosphere of joy and peace should reign in the house. All those who gathered at the holiday table, discuss the events of the current week or tell interesting life stories.
Shalom!
Евреи приветствуют друг друга, произнося слово Shalom Translated, it means "perfection." Therefore, “shalom” is an external manifestation of a better inner quality and state of a person. Perfection here is not associated with physical parameters, but embodies the spiritual state. Therefore, when they meet, the Jews say “Shalom!”, Thus wishing each other spiritual perfection. The same word is used when parting. It is easy to guess why the Sabbath has such a name - “Shabbat Shalom!”. Jews say that “Peace Saturday” is a magnificent holiday that Israel can be proud of. Shabbat helps the Jewish people to realize that there are higher values in life than earthly goods and the thirst for material gain. Shabbat teaches to live for eternity and holiness. And those who honor the Sabbath will be rewarded according to merit. "More than the Jews kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath kept the Jews".
