In the scriptures, the story of creation is written in the book of Genesis. This story explains how after making the world, God had a day of rest. Jews are emulating God’s own actions by thinking about their religion and God on the Sabbath. It is also in the 10 commandments “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”. By resting from Friday eve to Saturday eve, they are simply following this commandment. The Shabbat is important more Jews because it is written in the Torah that is should always be observed.
Family is a very important part of Jewish life. Many Jewish festivals and rituals are based around family, and Shabbat is no different. Shabbat is a time when a family can come together and bond as a family. Families who may spend time apart during the week, will come to spend time together, if this means only for Friday night then this is still important to Jews. Jewish people are often worried that their religion is slowly dying out due to anti-Semitism and people marrying outside of Judaism. Shabbat is a time when Jews can come together as a family so that religion and tradition does not fade out. Shabbat is very important to Jews, because it is a time when they can teach their children about their religion, and respect the holiness and the blessings of God as a family.
Shabbat is important for Jews because it is a day that Jews set aside to worship God and literally count their blessings. Jews feel they are very close to God on Shabbat, and this is represented by the candles on the table at a Friday night meal. The two candles also represent the Jewish people’s holiness at Shabbat, as they believe that one receives a second soul, which makes you more holy. The white tablecloth also represents Jewish purity and closeness to God on Shabbat. Shabbat is seen a different day of worship to the rest of the week, as it is the time when Jews are closer with God, thinking only of him and the blessings he gives. Challah bread is used to remind Jews about the Manna that the Jewish slaves were blessed with in the desert by God, and how God will always protect his people. Jews go to the synagogue on Shabbat to think about God and worship him, and this is important as Jews may not have time to go to the synagogue during the week. Jews can feel holy and worship God on Shabbat as it is the day of rest. The Kiddush ceremony worships the sweetness of Gods blessings and reminds Jews of their fortune. Shabbat is important to Jews because it is a time when they can worship God’s greatness.
Tradition plays a vital role in many areas of Jewish life. Jews are ever desperate to keep religious tradition going, and this is even more important for Shabbat. Shabbat is kept by Jews all over the world, as it is one of the most important rituals as it reminds Jews of the greatness of their religion and their blessings from God. Jews can feel united as a community during Shabbat, as it is a tradition that ahs always been kept and will continue to be observed in the future. Tradition is important during Shabbat as it helps to keep Jewish religion alive, and this tradition is kept alive by Shabbat.
D) “Jews do not keep Shabbat, Shabbat keeps the Jews”. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
For many Jews, Shabbat plays a vital role in all parts of their life. People keep Shabbat in different ways, however many Jews respect some form of Shabbat, whether its going to synagogue, or simply spending time as a family. To answer this question, one has to consider many different factors. Some Jews feel restricted by the laws of Shabbat, and therefore they do not keep the Sabbath, however others believe it can bring the Jews together as a family. Jews need Shabbat to keep their tradition going, and so they can teach their children the rituals of Judaism. Shabbat is a very important part of keeping their religious tradition and ritual alive. However some Jewish families do not keep the Shabbat at all, because of circumstances, and often because of the heavy restrictions that are placed upon them during Shabbat. While some enjoy the benefits of these rules, others feel they are trapped and break rules, or celebrate in their own way. In conclusion, I think there is no specific answer to this question. Jews keep Shabbat so that they can have a day of resting and be holy, with time to think about God. However, Shabbat keeps Jewish tradition alive, as it is a ritual that is always practised and never forgotten.
