Ask AI: Why do Jews set aside a holy day each week, and what is it called?

Jews set aside a holy day each week called **Shabbat** (also spelled **Sabbath**). Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. **Why do Jews observe Shabbat?** The practice is based on the biblical account of creation in the book of Genesis. According to the Torah, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. God then commanded the Israelites to also rest on the seventh day and to keep it holy (see Exodus 20:8-11). **Purpose of Shabbat:** - **Rest and rejuvenation:** Shabbat provides a weekly opportunity to refrain from work, focus on spiritual matters, and spend time with family and community. - **Sanctifying time:** By setting aside the seventh day, Jews make time itself holy, recognizing creation and God’s role in their lives. - **Covenant with God:** Observing Shabbat is a sign of the special relationship (covenant) between God and the Jewish people. **How is it observed?** Shabbat is observed through prayer, festive meals, rest from work, and rituals such as lighting candles, blessing wine (kiddush), and challah bread. In short: Jews set aside Shabbat each week as a day of rest and holiness, rooted in the biblical story of creation and as a core part of Jewish religious life.