Hatboxes glossary: Shabbos

The second chapter of Genesis establishes the basis of the Sabbath (Hebrew:  שַׁבָּת, "Shabbat;" Yiddish:   שאבּעס,"Shabbos"):  after creating everything in six days, the Almighty not only rested on the seventh day but blessed it and established it as a day of rest for the whole world.

According to Jewish law, all creative, productive, or transformative action is to cease from sunset on Friday through sunset on Saturday. The Talmud defines 39 types of activities that people must not do while observing the Sabbath, including lighting fires, sewing, writing, building or demolishing anything, and driving a car has come to be prohibited.

Families gather for a special meal accompanied by singing and prayer.  Just before Friday's sunset, sabbath candles get lit, and a time different from the rest of the week in its rhythms and activity lasts for just over a full day.

Miriam, Nadine, Hannah, Sarah, and Ezer at Shabbos dinner in Hatboxes

What do you do on your day of rest?