Shabbat is the Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest and abstention from work as commanded by God. It is the most important ritual observance in Judaism and is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments. Shabbat involves two interrelated commandments: to remember (zachor) and to observe (shamor). Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday evening and ends Saturday night when its dark enough to see three stars in the sky.

During Shabbat, Jewish people take time out from the busy workweek to light candles, eat a delicious meal with family and friends, perhaps attend services at the synagogue or just go for a long, leisurely walk. Some of the activities that are encouraged on Shabbat include reading, studying, and discussing Torah and commentary, Mishnah and Talmud, and learning some halakha and midrash. Synagogue attendance for prayers is also encouraged.

Many people are familiar with the idea of families and friends coming together for Shabbat dinners on Friday nights. People also gather for lunch on Shabbat after synagogue. Like a dinner party that happens in the middle of the day, these meals are long and luxurious with good food and wine. Saturday afternoon is the perfect time to read a big chunk of the newest best-seller, or to actually forge through the newspaper, from start to finish. Many communities sponsor classes at the synagogue on Saturday afternoons, or hold an open beit midrash series, where pairs of people, or hevrutot can come to study a text together. Some people use Shabbat afternoon to walk to a local hospital or old-age home and visit those who are not feeling well.

At the end of Shabbat, when three stars are visible in the sky, the evening prayer service, maariv, is recited, followed by Havdalah, the ceremony that separates between Shabbat and the rest of the week.