Q&A for How to Observe the Shabbat

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Why can I not use pens and writing instruments?

Community Answer

The Torah dictates that, on Shabbat, one must abstain from "Melachah," usually translated as "work." In the Mishnah, the great Rabbis define "work" as the 39 activities that were, biblically, required in order to build the Tabernacle. Two of these prohibited activities are writing (i.e. forming and erasing symbols, letters, and pictures) and erasing. This also means that one may neither ice a cake with letters, nor cut a cake with such iced letters on the Sabbath.

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Question

Do I need to buy a new tablecloth for Shabbat dinner, or is a newly laundered white one sufficient?

Community Answer

Shabbat is every week, so if you buy a new tablecloth every week, that'll get very expensive very fast. You don't need a tablecloth, but if you want, your lovely, newly laundered white tablecloth is perfect.

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Question

Can we use our air conditioning? Obviously TV and other electronics would be a no. Can I ride in a car?

Community Answer

"Pikuach nefesh docheh Shabbat." That's Hebrew for, "Saving a life is more important than Shabbat." If it is really hot (over 70 F), then AC is a must. Cars are only allowed to get to shul and back, or in an emergency.

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Question

Can I open a book on the sabbath?

Benjamin M.

Top Answerer

Yes, absolutely! In fact, it is a mitzvah (commandment) to use the time on Shabbat to study the Torah. However, opening books that are not on a Torah-related topic are considered weekday activities and therefore not fitting for Shabbat. There is no specific prohibition to opening a book, however. Although there is a prohibition for moving an object that is not related to Shabbat (such as an irrelevant book). This is called "muktzeh."

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Question

(1) Can I cook on Sabbath? (2) Is heating food on Sabbath a sin?

Menucha Prinsloo

Community Answer

1) No. Cooking on Shabbat is one of the 39 Malachot. 2) Heating food on Shabbat is allowed, but there are certain things you must do. Firstly, you should have it on the heat before Shabbat starts. You cannot turn on the stove on Shabbat to heat your food, it has to be pre-turned on. Then you may remove it from the heat and leave one hand on the pot/dish. For this reason, because you want to show that you intend to return the dish to the heat after dishing out food. If on the other hand, you are not planning to put it back on the heat, there is no need to leave a hand on the pot.

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Question

Can I go to the zoo on the Sabbath?

Menucha Prinsloo

Community Answer

Technically I don't think there would be a problem with that, but you will most likely run into problems. Firstly, you have to pay, and you can't use the money on Shabbat (although you could pre-pay online earlier in the week and show that). There are also problems with animals for the more religious. All in all, it's best to keep that visit for a Sunday.

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Question

Why can I not use electrical devices? My Torah and other Shabbat studies are electronic. There is no synagogue in town.

Menucha Prinsloo

Community Answer

It distracts you from spirituality being that they have a lot of the secular world on them. It is connected to making fire, being that you use electricity actively. And books are very easy to get access to. Judaica World, Kehot, and Koren are good online stores to purchase books.

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Question

Can you take a walk on Sabbath?

Menucha Prinsloo

Community Answer

Yes of course! That is all frum (religious.) It is the Jews' only means of transportation on Shabbat. You shouldn't walk too long so that it's like a workout, but a nice stroll is perfect!

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Question

is Shabbat ever cancelled?

Menucha Prinsloo

Community Answer

Never. Shabbat is a very explicit commandment from G-d, so we may never 'cancel' Shabbat. Yes, many people don't observe Shabbat, but it's still there. Just like there is always a Monday, there will always be Shabbat, no matter what.

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Question

I would like to observe Shabbat in the traditional way. I am not Jewish. Am I permitted to?

PE Ballon

Community Answer

Someone who is not Jewish is not permitted to observe Shabbat. You can always attend a Shabbat meal.

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Question

What do you do if you are not within walking distance of a synagogue?

PE Ballon

Community Answer

Driving is not permitted on Shabbat, so if you have no other option, you can pray at home.

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