Shabbat Observance

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, encompassing the covenant which is a key Jewish belief and vital component of Judaism, attributed to Abraham. The covenant laid out the foundations of the Jewish religion and plays an essential role in the life of an adherent by giving them meaning and purpose in life through Shabbat observance, which is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments. Shabbat involves two unified commandments which are to remember and observe Shabbat. As stated in Rabbi Jonathan Sacks quote, Shabbat observance gives an adherent time to reflect and remember the significance of Shabbat, both as a commemoration of creation and freedom of slavery in Egypt through a day of rest.

Furthermore, the covenant is conveyed
The Torah refers to prayer as an act immersed with love and reverence and on Shabbat prayer is not only a way to connect with God, it is a way to welcome Shabbat. On the evening of Shabbat, an adherent is required to attend a synagogue service. A prayer called Lecha Dodi is sung to greet the Sabbath Bride as a reminder of when God created the world every day of the week except Shabbat had a partner, therefore God promised to Shabbat that the Jewish People would be its partner. In this evening service, the central prayer is the Shemoneh Esrei, which encompasses all aspects of life, both physical and spiritual. On Shabbat, The Shemoneh Esrei comprises of seven blessings instead of nineteen in order to focus on the sanctity of Shabbat instead of the other thirteen blessings beseeching God and interfering with the tranquility of Shabbat. In relation to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks quote ‘’let all our blessings catch up with us’’, the Shemoneh Esrei is a prayer of personal requests and redemption as well as to praise and thank God. Thus, the Shemoneh Esrei is a unique and expressive prayer influencing the life of an adherent by giving them a purpose and meaning in their lives as they are personally connecting with God on a spiritual