The Shabbat is the seventh day of the week, considered to be a Jewish day of rest. The symbolism of the day stems from the fact that the Creation was achieved in six days and the seventh was destined for rest. Observing the Shabbat consists of refraining from any work and engaging in relaxing activities which would help one better honor the significance of the day. Its aim is also to provide one with time to contemplate on life and/or spend more time with his or her family.
The word “Shabbat” is of Hebrew origin and means “ceasing to work”. Throughout history, the Shabbat became a holy day when it was first mentioned in the Torah, in Genesis 2:1-3, after the Exodus from Egypt.