Shabbat is a holy day of rest, joy and rejuvenation of body and spirit. In the two renditions of the Ten Commandments we are told to both “Observe” and “Remember” Shabbat. It is a day focusing on family, community, worship, spirituality, celebratory meals, study and a respite from the mundane. As a weekly occurrence it is viewed not as routine but as a special and holy day each and every time. Shabbat is not created simply by a cessation from work. It needs to be actively shaped through what we do to make it a holy and joyous day. Reform Judaism allows some autonomy and creativity in its observance but like the other streams within Judaism emphasizes Shabbat’s centrality to Jewish life.
Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday with the kindling of candles. It concludes with the appearance of three stars in the sky and the recitation of Havdalah (a ceremony of separation) on Saturday night. To paraphrase the writer Ahad Ha-am, Shabbat has been a major force in the survival and vitality of the Jewish people throughout history.
Service Schedule
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