The Jews have a weekly holiday, which is celebrated every Friday with sunset. It is called "Shabbat shalom", which means "Hello, Saturday". Every Jew treats with respect the sixth day of the week, which reminds him of the spiritual goal in life. We will find out, Shabbat - what kind of a holiday it is and how it is celebrated in Israel.
"Peaceful Saturday"
Shabbat Shalom is a festive Friday dinner dedicated to the Sabbath. Why is this day of the week considered holy for the Jews? Because it is one of the foundations of the unity of the Jewish people. This sacred day reminds Jews that they were once slaves in Egypt. But later, the Most High led the people out of there, so that they could receive the Torah at Sinai. Saturday is a symbol of the exit of Jews from physical slavery and the attainment of spiritual freedom. The celebration of the Sabbath is also the direct fulfillment by the Jews of the 4th God's commandment: " Remember the Sabbath evening to sanctify it. 6 days work, and the 7th day dedicate to your Most High ... "For the religious Jew, the" Day of Rest "is very important - the Sabbath. What is this holiday for Israel? It can be said that Israel "stands" on Shabbat. 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 3 pm (winter) and from 4 pm (summer) every Friday. People can get to the place only by taxi, which work on increased (Saturday) fares.
How do they celebrate the holiday?
The Jewish Sabbath existed even in ancient Egypt. 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 watched the exhausting work of his brethren. He felt sorry for them, and he turned to Pharaoh with a request to give slaves a day of rest per week. And Pharaoh agreed. Therefore, Shabbat reminds Jews not only of the fourth commandment of the Most High, but also about the outcome from Egyptian slavery. Preparing for the holiday begins on Friday. In the evening, with sunset, the whole family gathers for a festive meal. Shabbat lasts a day: from sunset Friday to a similar Saturday (a feature of Jewish holidays). A woman prepares for the holiday; She also lights candles before the "Peace Saturday".
On the eve of the holiday
The main holiday of Israel is Shabbat. What it is, we managed to find out. We will learn how the Jews prepare for the "Peaceful Sabbath". In Israel, a woman is called "the light of the house." She has an important role in preparing for the Shabbat. The Jews have a centuries-old tradition - an oven for the great holiday of the chala. A woman, baking festive bread with her own hands, performs one of the sacred mitzvahs. Preparation for the holiday starts on Friday morning. The woman begins to prepare halas and various dishes to the table. In doing so, she tries each cooked dish. But she must do it right: do not spit food, but swallow food, uttering Brachi. The festive table must be covered with a tablecloth until the end of the holiday (preferably white). Before shabbat every man and every woman takes a bath or a shower. If there is little time left before the holiday, then only hands and face are allowed to wash with water.
Candle lighting
This sacred rite is conducted by Jewish women. The lighting of candles in Shabbat is performed with special care and devotion. This ritual brings peace and harmony to Jewish homes. Women who celebrate a holiday at home usually light 2 candles directly on the festive table or nearby. Sometimes oil lamps are used instead . The fact that the hostess lit candles does not mean the beginning of the Sabbath for the household. They can do their usual things. But the woman from this moment has no right to do work and eat 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.
The Sabbath meal
This is one of the highlights of the holiday. The family gathers at the Friday table, on which candles are already burning. The households and guests should sit at the festive table in a good mood, forgetting about the problems of everyday life and anxiety. Before you start eating, the Jews sing "Shalom Aleichem", commit Kiddush and wash their hands. There comes the Sabbath. The time of its beginning is sunset on Friday. The whole family starts a meal, which should consist of the best food: fish, meat and various delicacies. On the table there are 2 hales, when the Sabbath comes. What is it and why is it eaten in double size? Halas are white bread, which is prepared for the "Peaceful Sabbath" by a Jewish woman. Two servings of festive bread are put on the table in memory of the heavenly manna that the Almighty gave to the Jews when they returned from Egypt in the desert. On that day, God gave the people of heavenly bread twice as much. Manna is heavenly bread. On the Sabbath holiday, he is associated with chala. During the festive meal, the Jews sing the Sabbath songs. It is believed that during the Sabbath in the house should reign atmosphere of joy and peace. Everyone who has gathered at the festive table, discuss the events of the current week or tell interesting stories from life.
Shalom!
Jews greet each other, uttering the word "shalom". In translation, it means "perfection." Therefore, "shalom" is an external manifestation of the best internal quality and condition of a person. Perfection here is not associated with physical parameters, but personifies a spiritual state. Therefore, at meetings Jews say "Shalom!", Thereby wanting each other spiritual perfection. The same word is used during parting. It's easy to guess why the Sabbath has such a name - "Shabbat shalom!". The Jews say that "Peaceful Sabbath" is a majestic celebration that Israel can be proud of. Shabbat helps the Jewish people realize that in life there are higher values than earthly goods and a thirst for material gain. Shabbat teaches us to live for eternity and holiness. And those who revere the Sabbath will be rewarded on merit. " More than the Jews kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath kept the Jews ."