Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a day of rest that begins at sundown on Friday evening and ends at nightfall on Saturday evening. It is an important day in the Jewish tradition and is observed by many Jews around the world. In this article, we will explore when Shabbat ends, what happens when it ends, the rituals of Shabbat, and the time of Shabbat in Tel Aviv.
At what hour does Shabbat end?
The ending time of Shabbat varies from place to place and depending on the time of year. However, the general rule is that Shabbat ends at nightfall, which is the time when the stars come out on Saturday evening. In Israel, this is typically between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. In other parts of the world, it may end at a different time depending on the latitude and longitude of the location.
It’s important to note that the end of Shabbat is marked by the appearance of three stars in the sky, which signifies the end of the day according to Jewish tradition. This is known as “tzet hakochavim” in Hebrew. From this point on, it is permissible to engage in certain activities that are otherwise prohibited during Shabbat.
What happens when Shabbat ends?
When Shabbat ends, there is often a havdalah ceremony, which marks the transition from Shabbat to the new week. This ceremony usually takes place on Saturday evening after nightfall. The ceremony involves the lighting of candles, the blessing of wine, and the smelling of sweet spices.
After the ceremony, it is common to have a festive meal with family and friends, which may include traditional Jewish dishes such as challah bread, gefilte fish, and matzah ball soup.
What time is Shabbat in Tel Aviv?
In Tel Aviv, Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday evening and ends at nightfall on Saturday evening. The exact time of Shabbat may vary depending on the time of year, but in general, it begins around 5 p.m. in winter and 7 p.m. in summer. It ends around 6:30 p.m. in winter and 8 p.m. in summer.
During Shabbat in Tel Aviv, many businesses and public transportation are closed, and there may be restrictions on certain activities. However, there are still many things to do in Tel Aviv on Shabbat, such as visiting parks and museums, attending religious services, and enjoying traditional Jewish food.
What are the rituals of Shabbat?
Shabbat is a time to rest and reflect, and there are many traditional rituals associated with this day of rest. Here are some of the most common rituals:
- Lighting candles – Women traditionally light two candles before Shabbat begins, symbolizing the end of the workweek and the beginning of a time of rest and reflection.
- Blessing wine – A special prayer, called Kiddush, is recited over a cup of wine, to sanctify the day and mark the beginning of Shabbat.
- Blessing bread – A traditional braided bread called challah is eaten on Shabbat, and a special prayer is said before breaking bread and distributing it to the guests.
- Abstaining from work – One of the central tenants of Shabbat is to refrain from work, including any activity that involves creative acts, such as lighting a fire, cooking or writing.
- Spending time with family and community – Shabbat is a time to connect with loved ones and the wider community. It’s common to have a festive meal with family and friends, or to attend religious services at a synagogue.