Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, is a sacred weekly tradition that begins at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. It's a time to disconnect from the hustle of the week and reconnect with family, faith, and community. Whether you're new to Shabbat or looking to deepen your practice, understanding the Shabbat do's and don'ts is essential.

What is Shabbat?

Shabbat, also known as the Sabbath, is the Jewish day of rest and spiritual renewal. It begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. Rooted in the biblical creation story—where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh—Shabbat is a weekly pause from work and worldly concerns to focus on family, community, and the divine.

During Shabbat, many traditional Jews refrain from activities considered "work," such as using electronics, cooking, or writing. Instead, they engage in restful and meaningful practices: lighting candles, sharing festive meals (often with braided challah bread and wine), attending synagogue services, singing songs, and studying sacred texts.

It’s often described as a “queen” or “bride” welcomed into the home—a time to elevate the ordinary into something sacred. Whether observed strictly or more loosely, Shabbat offers a rhythm of rest and reflection that many find deeply grounding.

To help you observe this holy day more meaningfully, here’s a comprehensive Shabbat observance guide outlining 10 common mistakes to avoid when observing Shabbat, along with helpful tips to stay on track.

1. Not Preparing in Advance

Mistake: Waiting until Friday afternoon to start preparing for Shabbat.

Why It Matters: Shabbat begins at sundown, and last-minute preparations can lead to stress and incomplete observance.

Shabbat Tip: Start planning your meals, cleaning, shopping, and candle-lighting supplies early in the week. Use Thursday as your prep day to reduce Friday pressure.
 

2. Lighting Candles After Sunset

Mistake: Lighting Shabbat candles too late—after sundown.

Why It Matters: Lighting the candles marks the official start of Shabbat and doing so after sunset is prohibited by Halacha (Jewish law).

Shabbat Tip: Check local candle-lighting times each week and light at least 18 minutes before sunset.
 

3. Using Electronic Devices During Shabbat

Mistake: Using phones, tablets, or watching TV on Shabbat.

Why It Matters: One of the key Shabbat do's and don'ts is refraining from melachot (forbidden activities), which includes operating electronic devices.

Shabbat Tip: Power down your devices before candle lighting. Consider using a timer for lights and appliances if needed.
 

4. Cooking or Reheating Food Improperly

Mistake: Cooking or reheating food on Shabbat using direct heat.

Why It Matters: Cooking is one of the 39 categories of forbidden work on Shabbat.

Shabbat Tip: Prepare all meals in advance. Use a blech (metal sheet) or hot plate for keeping food warm in accordance with halachic guidelines.
 

5. Writing or Using Pens and Paper

Mistake: Writing or drawing during Shabbat.

Why It Matters: Writing is another form of prohibited work during Shabbat.

Shabbat Tip: Take notes before Shabbat if you anticipate needing reminders. Journaling or signing documents can wait until Saturday night.
 

6. Forgetting to Make Kiddush

Mistake: Skipping the Kiddush prayer over wine or grape juice at Friday night and Saturday meals.

Why It Matters: Kiddush sanctifies the Shabbat and is a central ritual for welcoming it.

Shabbat Tip: Learn the Kiddush blessing in Hebrew or English transliteration. Keep a siddur (prayer book) or printout nearby during meals.
 

7. Shopping or Handling Money

Mistake: Buying groceries, paying for services, or using cash or cards on Shabbat.

Why It Matters: Engaging in commerce is not permitted on Shabbat and detracts from its spiritual nature.

Shabbat Tip: Finish all purchases before sundown Friday. Use this time to focus on relationships, prayer, and rest—not transactions.
 

8. Driving or Traveling

Mistake: Driving to synagogue or a friend’s house on Shabbat.

Why It Matters: Igniting a car engine is considered forbidden work, and traveling distances detracts from the restful atmosphere.

Shabbat Tip: Walk to synagogue or make plans to stay local. If needed, host guests or be a guest within walking distance.
 

9. Doing Housework or Laundry

Mistake: Cleaning, doing laundry, or organizing during Shabbat.

Why It Matters: These are considered weekday tasks and go against the essence of rest on Shabbat.

Shabbat Tip: Tidy up your home before Shabbat begins. Embrace the mess until after Havdalah—Shabbat is about peace, not perfection.
 

10. Missing Havdalah

Mistake: Ending Shabbat without marking it with Havdalah.

Why It Matters: Havdalah is a beautiful ritual that formally separates Shabbat from the weekday and brings closure to the holy time.

Shabbat Tip: Light a braided candle, use fragrant spices (besamim), and recite the blessings over wine or grape juice. It’s a meaningful way to transition with gratitude and intention.
 

Final Thoughts

Shabbat is not just about following rules—it’s about creating sacred space in time. By avoiding these common mistakes, you honor the spirit of the day and create a more enriching experience for yourself and your family.

Whether you're fully observant or just beginning your journey, this Shabbat observance guide can help you celebrate more meaningfully, one Friday night at a time.