Shabbat is Hebrew for Sabbath. You may be surprised to learn that the Shabbat is one of God’s appointed festivals (Leviticus 23:3 Genesis 2:2). After six days of Creation, God set apart the seventh day as a day of rest and remembrance for the whole world. After God rescued the Children of Israel from Egypt’s bondage, God further delineated that the Shabbat should have a sacred assembly—which in modern days essentially encourages doing no regular work and going to services. In Jewish households around the world, the Shabbat is a joyful celebration of God’s goodness. As Believers in Yeshua (Jesus) the Jewish Messiah and Redeemer of the world, we know that our salvation does not rest in our works, but what He has done for us (Ephesians 2:9). How beautiful that we can celebrate this miraculous event every week!

“Work is to be done on six days; but the seventh day is a Shabbat of complete rest, a holy convocation; you are not to do any kind of work; it is a Shabbat for Adonai, even in your homes.” (Leviticus 23:3 CJB)