Shabbat

Shabbat Shalom from Israel!

Updates continue from North America

Shabbat about to begin in Israel. Our North America desk will continue to update the site until Shabbat begins in New York.

Chief Rabbi: No blanket permit to break Shabbat for morale

Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber ruled that boosting soldiers' morale does not justify a blanket permit to desecrate Shabbat and urged major rulings be left to leading halakhic authorities.

Tzfat rabbis demand end to Shabbat bus lines

Dozens of rabbis in Tzfat have issued a public appeal calling for the immediate cancellation of public bus services operating during Shabbat, saying the move undermines the city's longstanding status quo and Jewish identity.

Cafe at the center of Shabbat controversy linked to missionaries

After protests over the opening of a café on Shabbat, a newly revealed recording raises questions about the link between the company operating the venue and Jews for Jesus.

Shabbat bus service sparks protests in Tzfat

Religious tensions in Tzfat intensified over the weekend as hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the city's main bus stations to protest bus services running on Shabbat.

Jerusalem:

Haredi protest targets Jerusalem café over Sabbath operations

A newly opened café in central Jerusalem became the scene of repeated protests on Saturday after dozens of Haredi demonstrators gathered outside to oppose its decision to operate on the Sabbath.

Shabbat Shalom:

To those who carried the principles when institutions failed

Every week there are people who restore a little of our faith, not always in institutions, but in humanity.

Shabbat 250:

A bond between the Jewish People and the United States of America

The Shabbat 250 proclamation is not merely a gesture: it is a response that recovers the original spirit of the Constitution. The enemies of the Jewish people rejected it. The guardians of history applauded. Those who love the free world rejoiced.

Why will this Shabbat be extra special?

A key ingredient of receiving Torah in one’s life, is being a decent, person.

Marking 250 years:

Trump declares National Sabbath

US President Donald Trump marks Jewish American Heritage Month, praising Jewish contributions and announcing a national Sabbath for reflection and unity.

Redeeming narratives

A bold framing. Perhaps even uncomfortable and problematic.. But one that creates the conditions for connection.

Shabbat-observant student discriminated against on campus

A Jewish student claims that Williams College refused basic accommodations for Shabbat observance and left him locked out.

Dvar Haftorah - Shabbat Rosh Chodesh:

At the threshold of renewal

Shabbat Rosh Chodesh is more than a calendrical coincidence, it is an opportunity.

Donning a kippa:

Popular Israeli singer: 'I will observe this Shabbat'

Eyal Golan posted a video declaring that thanks to his children, Alin and Liam, he has decided to observe the upcoming Shabbat, 'I want to get closer to my children, to my faith, and to strengthen my people.'

Religious conflict in Dimona

Dozens of residents from the Haredi community in Dimona protested last night outside a Super-Pharm branch in the city following the mayor's decision to permit the pharmacy to operate on Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom:

To those who refuse to be intimidated

Courage has a way of spreading and when we recognise it, celebrate it, and shine a light on it, we make it easier for others to find the strength to do the same. Opinion.

The Roar of the Lion: Tanakh, Persia-Iran, and today

David, King of Israel, lives and endures.

Religious Zionist rabbis denounce mass Shabbat desecration

Yeshiva deans and senior rabbis criticized the Education Ministry's decision to require boarding institutions to release students to their homes during Shabbat when the war broke out.

A message of ה'תשפ"ו (5786) in a year of War

The salvation of Purim began quietly - not with a miracle, not with a battle, but with Shabbat.

Shabbat Shekalim:

Prelude to Pesach

Shabbat Shekalim is the first of five special Shabbatot, over seven weeks.

For the first time

Bus line between Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport on Saturdays

Route 711 between Tel Aviv and Shoham will add a stop at the airport, and rides on the line will be free. Organizers emphasize: 'Not a political statement.'

Shabbat: Sign of the Covenant Between the Jewish People and God

Shabbat is not merely another commandment; it is an eternal sign of the covenant between God and Israel.

Shabbat Under Gaza:

Six former hostages recount the power of faith in captivity

Six former hostages recounted how faith in God gave them the strength to carry on while still held prisoner by Hamas.

Miss Israel 2013 says Challah ritual inspired her to keep Shabbat

Miss Israel Titi Aynaw marked a Challah-separating ceremony with Rabbanit Yocheved Levin ahead of her expected delivery, saying the emotional evening led her to keep Shabbat for the first time.

Is it permissible to operate an iRobot on Shabbat?

Rabbi Menachem Perl, head of the Tzomet Institute, says it is halachically possible, as long as there is no direct activation on Shabbat, strict conditions are observed and all preparations are made in advance.

Surprising moment:

Yair Golan recites Kiddush on live television

In a Channel 12 interview, Democrats Party Chairman Yair Golan donned a kippah and recited the Shabbat Kiddush, saying true unity must be rooted in values and a renewed commitment to Zionist principles.

Hostage survivor shares Shabbat stories from Hamas captivity

Segev Kalfon shared how Shabbat observance in Gaza tunnels gave them strength and hope during captivity.

Freed hostages call out: Keep Shabbat

Four recently released hostages urge Jews around the world to embrace Shabbat: “It gave us strength even in the harshest conditions.”

Following Shabbat desecrations:

IDF Spokesman's Unit to receive permanent halachic authority

Following reports of non-essential Shabbat activity, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit has appointed a rabbi to provide halachic oversight, marking a first in the unit’s history.

Office of the UK Chief Rabbi

Shabbat Shuvah or Shabbat Teshuvah?

The answer is found here: Why do I say the two magic words?

Children's star to end appearances on Shabbat

Actor and children's entertainer Haim Osadon, known by the stage name 'David Haim', announced today that he has decided to stop performing on Shabbat.

Eight things to know about Shabbat Nachamu

Drashot Even Shoiv (Parshas Vaetchanan) states that we should treat Shabbat Nachamu like a Yom Tov, so go out and get special treats!

Revolution in Halacha:

Bionic limbs approved for Shabbat and mitzvot

New halachic ruling allows use of advanced prosthetics in religious rituals and on Shabbat; seen as major step for wounded soldiers and terror victims.

Dozens stranded outside Beitar Illit after Shabbat gate closure

Families with young children and luggage forced to walk into Beitar Illit after city gate closed 20 minutes before sunset, sparking safety and policy concerns.

Personal Growth series:

Understanding rest and creation

The mitzvah of Shabbat is of great significance because it both reminds us of Hashem and gives us perspective on our lives.

Rabbi clarifies controversial ruling

Rabbi Yitzchok Zilberstein clarifies his halakhic ruling that cholent should be reserved for Shabbat, while permitting it at yeshivas and celebratory meals during the week.

Senior Rabbi rules against popular late-night meal

Rabbi Yitzchok Zilberstein rules that eating cholent on Thursday night diminishes its Shabbat sanctity, warns it lacks blessing, and may pose health risks when consumed midweek.

Parashat Emor:

Why is Shabbat listed among the holidays?

Torah commentaries weigh in on the philosophic and practical issue of the difference between Shabbat and the other festivals and why Shabbat is mentioned with them despite that.

New Program

How Women are Mastering Hilchos Shabbos Around the World

Online Program Based on HaGaon Rabbi Berkovits’s Renowned Curriculum.

Appeal to Labor Minister:

'Shabbat is being erased from public life'

Several organizations have appealed to Minister of Labor Yoav Ben-Tzur, demanding that he enforce the law against employing Jews on Shabbat more significantly.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach from Israel!

Updates continue from North America

Shabbat and the Seventh Day of Passover begin in Israel. INN's North America desk will continue to update the site until they begin in New York.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach from Israel!

Updates continue from North America

Shabbat begins in Israel, to be followed by Passover. INN's North America desk will update the site until the start of Shabbat in New York. Updates from Israel resume following the conclusion of Passover on Sunday night.

Shabbat HaChodesh:

Glass shards and royalty

We, the Jewish nation, reckon our national calendar from Nissan.

Shabbat vigil in Tel Aviv

Hostage families call for their immediate release

Families of hostages and hundreds of people hold Shabbat dinner at the Begin Gate of the Kirya. Sister of Matan Angrest: He's alive, but in ten minutes he might no longer be with us.

Shabbat Battle in Ra'anana:

Petitioners withdraw the lawsuit

The petitioners have conceded to the judge's recommendation and withdrawn their petition against the municipal tender requiring the opening of a restaurant on Shabbat. 'We support freedom of choice.'

Yesh Atid MK:

'Open on Shabbat? I won't set foot there'

MK Elazar Stern (Yesh Atid) denounced a new shopping center for planning to remain open seven days a week.

Hostage releases on Shabbat - trampling Israel's honor

It is unfortunate that the representatives of the State of Israel did not take heed of the fact that the release of the hostages was done on Shabbat, violating the national sanctity of the day. Honoring Israel’s holy symbols is an essential component in defeating the enemy, and in establishing the Israeli national identity.

Romi Gonen's mother:

'This is the reason Romi kept Shabbat after being freed'

Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi who was freed from Hamas captivity, talks about the use her daughter made and continues to make of Judaism during her captivity and since her return.

The first time in 67 weeks

Emily, Doron and Romi enjoy Friday night dinner at home

For the first time in 67 weeks, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen - who were freed by Hamas this past Sunday - hold Shabbat dinners together with their families.

Photos:

Female Cabinet ministers, PMO employees light Shabbat candles

As the Cabinet meeting discussing the hostage deal continued into Shabbat, female ministers left the meeting for the lighting of Shabbat candles, along with the employees of the Prime Minister's office.

El Al announces Shabbat rescue flights from Amsterdam

Israeli airline announces it will run free last-minute flights to bring Israelis home from Amsterdam today, even on Shabbat, following the pogrom against Israeli soccer fans.

Approaching two Holy Days and Shabbat

The uniqueness of Rosh Hashanah's joy - amidst trembling - and the special laws for this year.

Shabbat Nachamu:

How to find consolation this year

How can we find consolation when over 1500 Israelis have lost their lives, thousands more are wounded, and over one hundred are still being held hostage?

Shabbat Hagadol: Redemption then, redemption now

It is a fundamental component of Pesach that the redemption from Egypt – our first national redemption – is the paradigm for the final redemption,

Shabbat Hagadol: Miracle of Miracles

If, back in 1967, you tried to convince someone that what happened last Saturday night would happen, you would have been committed to an asylum. But it did.

Israeli comedian to keep Shabbat for the first time

Comedian Guy Hochman says that his decision is a call for unity in Israel, and asked that at least one hundred thousand people join him.

Important themes of Rav Yitzchok Hutner's teachings

Part 4: Shabbos as the source of all holiness.

Office of the Chief Rabbi

The true meaning of Shalom: Shabbat for Israel

From the entrance to Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel, a message for Shabbat Shalom.

A pure heart

Rabbi Zilberstein, shlita, recommended that everyone should take upon themselves two extra things to do for Shabbat.

President Herzog to keep Shabbat on Germany visit

Following public outcry, the Director-General of the President's Residence has clarified that state business will not be conducted on Shabbat.