The word Shabbat derives from the Hebrew verb shavat (Hebrew: שָׁבַת). Although frequently translated as "rest" (noun or verb), another accurate translation of these words is "ceasing [from work]", as resting is

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Babylon
A cognate Babylonian Sapattu or Sabattu is reconstructed from the lost fifth Enūma Eliš creation account, which is read as: "[Sa]bbatu shalt thou then encounter, mid[month]ly". It is regarded as a form of Sumeriansa

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The Tanakh and siddur describe Shabbat as having three purposes:
1. To commemorate God's creation of the universe, on the seventh day of which God rested from (or ceased) his work;
2. To commemorate the Israelites' Exodus and redemption from slavery i

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Jewish law (halakha)prohibits doing any form of melakhah (מְלָאכָה, plural melakhoth) on Shabbat, unless an urgent human or medical need is

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The Talmud, especially in tractate Shabbat, defines rituals and activities to both "remember" and "keep" the Sabbath and to sanctify it at home and in the synagogue. In addition to refraining from creative work, the sanctification of the day through

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Special Shabbatot are the Shabbatot that precede important Jewish holidays: e.g., Shabbat HaGadol (Shabbat preceding Pesach), Shabbat Zachor (Shabbat preceding

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Welcoming Shabbat
Honoring Shabbat (kavod Shabbat) on Preparation Day (Friday) includes bathing, having a haircut and cleaning and beautifying the home (with flowers, for example). Days in the Jewish calendar start at nightfall, therefore

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