World Religion CPT
The Hebrew word "Shabbat" translates to rest. It is a sign of the covenant between God and his chosen people. This day is one of the most practices in Judaism. It is viewed as aday that revolves around prayer. As a day of rest, the Talmud established 39 categories of work that cannot be performed on the Sabbath according to the Hebrew Bible. These include cooking, washing clothes, constructing, repairing, writing, making a fire, cutting, fishing and so on. Over the last century, ancient laws have had to be applied to modern inventions by the rabbis.
For example, a jewish person cannot drive on the Sabbath because it involves moving an object and ingniting the fuel, both of which are prohibited. Encouraged activities include spending time with immediate familym visiting family and friends (within walking distance), singing Zemirot (special songs for the Shabbat), and reading, studying and discussing the Torah.
Jewish people also attend Synagogue services on the Sabbath, which explains why Jewish communities are often clustered in a small area, within walking distance of a Synagogue. The service is a very large part of the Shabbat practice and worship begins early in the morning. The service usually lasts 3-4 hours and the attire is usually casual, but it depends on the Synagogue or temple. A large amount of music is played and in some cases, a lihght lunch is served after the blessing of the wine by the rabbi. In traditional families, a Havdalah ('separation') ceremony is celebrated after nightfall on Saturday (the official end of Sabbath). It is celebrated either at the Synagogue or at home and consists of blessings over win, smelling of fragrant spices (like cloves), lighting a havdalah candle and blessing the havdalah.