The Sephardic Shabbat
Shabbat is the seventh day of the week, a day where Jews rest and dedicate their time to worship God. This paper is going to talk about the Sephardic Shabbat Service customs in Israel. I am going to explore the unique customs, prayers, poems and hymns of the Sephardim. Sephardim have contributed to the poetic and musical dimension of Shabbat, for this reason most of their prayers are structured to be hymns and poems. These poems have contributed to the education of Jews. They enhanced Shabbat observance by recurring themes such as holiness, spiritual freedom, longing for Messiah and redemption (Angel, pg.22, 1982). Furthermore, Shabbat resembles holiness and purity. The ones who keep it are forbidden to work at this day as well as drive, use
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Mincha is an afternoon prayer service in the Jewish culture. It is a Hebrew word that means, “present”. In fact, Sephardic Kabbalists afternoon prayer starts with Psalm 84 and Numbers 28:1-8, they continue the prayer in Ashkenazi addition, but Sephardim conclude their prayer with Malachi 3:4. After Mincha prayer, ״Kabbalat Shabbat״ prayer is said. It starts with six chapters of Psalm. The first chapter talks about the experience and testing that deals with the special relationship between people of Israel and God. This Chapter is called ״Lechu Nerannena LaAdonai״, which means, “let us sing to the lord”. Lastly, the sixth chapter of ״Kabbalat Shabbat״ prayer ends with the psalm Lecha Dodi (Laʼu, pg.139, …show more content…
Sephardim have a great importance in the forth meal of Shabbat. They call it “Melaveh Malkah” which translates to escorting the Queen. As I said before, Kabbalists welcome the bride on Friday night, so as well they should escort her. For Melaveh Malkah a special meal is prepared, and no leftovers from the previous meal should be eaten (Angel, pg. 23, 1982).
The Sephardic culture has contributed a lot to Shabbat observance. Sephardim have a lot in common with other sects of Jews. However, they have a lot of unique customs that they have adopted. It is a very important day for the Jews because it resembles holiness and in fact Sephardim live Shabbat as a cosmic and as a personal experience (Angel, pg. 24, 1982). All the meals are to be eaten with the family to have a bond at this holy day. Although there are forbidden practices on Shabbat, this is a day to be happy and celebrate (Friedman,
Mincha is an afternoon prayer service in the Jewish culture. It is a Hebrew word that means, “present”. In fact, Sephardic Kabbalists afternoon prayer starts with Psalm 84 and Numbers 28:1-8, they continue the prayer in Ashkenazi addition, but Sephardim conclude their prayer with Malachi 3:4. After Mincha prayer, ״Kabbalat Shabbat״ prayer is said. It starts with six chapters of Psalm. The first chapter talks about the experience and testing that deals with the special relationship between people of Israel and God. This Chapter is called ״Lechu Nerannena LaAdonai״, which means, “let us sing to the lord”. Lastly, the sixth chapter of ״Kabbalat Shabbat״ prayer ends with the psalm Lecha Dodi (Laʼu, pg.139, …show more content…
Sephardim have a great importance in the forth meal of Shabbat. They call it “Melaveh Malkah” which translates to escorting the Queen. As I said before, Kabbalists welcome the bride on Friday night, so as well they should escort her. For Melaveh Malkah a special meal is prepared, and no leftovers from the previous meal should be eaten (Angel, pg. 23, 1982).
The Sephardic culture has contributed a lot to Shabbat observance. Sephardim have a lot in common with other sects of Jews. However, they have a lot of unique customs that they have adopted. It is a very important day for the Jews because it resembles holiness and in fact Sephardim live Shabbat as a cosmic and as a personal experience (Angel, pg. 24, 1982). All the meals are to be eaten with the family to have a bond at this holy day. Although there are forbidden practices on Shabbat, this is a day to be happy and celebrate (Friedman,