- NEW!
by ChabadRabbi on April 28th, 2007
During the first week of Creation, the Torah defines each day with: "it was evening, and it was morning..." (see Genesis).
Accordingly, Judaism counts a day from evening until evening.
When it comes to the Sabbath (or Shabbat), we want to maximise the spiritual opportunity of this special period, so we start the Shabbat from 18 minutes before sunset (the earliest defined time for "evening"), and end it after nightfall, when you can see three medium-sized stars (the latest defined time for "evening").
Shabbat is heralded by women lighting Shabbat candles. Once the women light their candles, Shabbat begins for the family. While these candles may not be lit later than sunset, they may be lit as early as mid-afternoon.
This means that a family can choose to bring the Shabbat in earlier than the "official" time.
Shabbat observance includes certain restrictions (like not driving, turning on lights, using the phone etc.). So, practically, someone who chooses to accept the Shabbat earlier would adhere to these restrictions from that time.
Likewise, Shabbat is formally concluded with "Havdalah", which is essentially a statement you make to distinguish between the Shabbat and the rest of the week.
One can choose to delay making the "Havdalah" until many hours after nightfall, and be bound by the Shabbat laws until that time.
How do I add my site to Deliverance Ministries?
by Answerbag Staff on August 16th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
What is the meaning of Bishop Jugis'coat of arms?
by Answerbag Staff on August 7th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Who was St. Catherine of Siena?
by Answerbag Staff on August 2nd, 2010
| 1 person likes this
would you accept if i invite you to Islam?why or why not.
by low_profile_princess on February 6th, 2012
| 7 people like this
What's the difference between a belief and an opinion? Is a "non-belief" an opinion too?
by Marky Mark on February 5th, 2012
| 3 people like this
You're reading When does the weekend Sabbath start and end?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments