Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it' mean?
A: This verse commands us to observe and honor Shabbat (the Sabbath) by making it holy and set apart from the other days of the week. According to Rashi, 'to sanctify it' means we declare its holiness through Kiddush (sanctification over wine) and Havdalah (separation ceremony at its conclusion).
Q: Why is Shabbat so important in Judaism?
A: Shabbat is a foundational mitzvah (commandment) that reminds us of Hashem's creation of the world (Exodus 20:11) and our liberation from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) teaches that Shabbat is a precious gift from G-d, and keeping it properly is equivalent to observing all the mitzvot.
Q: How do we 'keep' Shabbat according to Jewish law?
A: We keep Shabbat by refraining from the 39 categories of creative work (melachah) listed in the Talmud (Shabbat 7:2), and by actively sanctifying the day through prayer, Torah study, festive meals, and spending time with family. The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 30:1) emphasizes adding physical and spiritual delight to the day.
Q: What does 'as the Lord your G-d commanded you' refer to?
A: This refers to the original commandment of Shabbat given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11). The Sifrei (Devarim 26) explains that this phrase teaches that all the details of Shabbat observance were taught to Moses at Sinai and transmitted through the Oral Torah.
Q: How can we apply this verse in modern times?
A: Even today, we sanctify Shabbat by disconnecting from weekday work and technology, focusing on spiritual growth and family. The Chofetz Chaim taught that proper Shabbat observance brings blessings to all our weekday activities. Modern halachic authorities provide guidance for contemporary situations while maintaining Shabbat's sanctity.
The Commandment of Shabbat
The verse "שָׁמוֹר אֶת־יוֹם הַשַׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ" ("Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it") is one of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the dual obligation of shamor (guarding) and zachor (remembering) Shabbat, as derived from the parallel phrasing in Shemot (Exodus) 20:8 and Devarim (Deuteronomy) 5:12. According to Rashi, the term "שָׁמוֹר" implies both proactive observance (e.g., refraining from melachah, forbidden labor) and preparation before Shabbat begins (e.g., setting aside food and candles).
Sanctifying Shabbat
The phrase "לְקַדְּשׁוֹ" ("to sanctify it") is interpreted by the Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 29:1) as requiring verbal sanctification through Kiddush and Havdalah, marking the holiness of the day. The Talmud (Pesachim 106a) states that this sanctification is performed over wine, symbolizing the elevation of Shabbat above mundane days.
As Commanded by Hashem
The concluding phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוְּךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("as the Lord thy God has commanded thee") reinforces that Shabbat observance is not subject to human discretion but is a divine decree. The Sifrei (Devarim 26) explains that this wording reminds us that the details of Shabbat—such as the 39 categories of prohibited labor—were transmitted orally at Sinai alongside the Written Torah.
Key Halachic Principles