Christian Sabbath v. Jewish Sabbath

The Sabbath is a holy day each week for both Jews and Christians. This is a day of rest and many branches of each religion use the Sabbath as a special day for religious observances. The Christian and the Jewish Sabbath mainly differs in the day that they are held on, along with a few other details.

The Jewish Sabbath

Traditionally, the Jewish faith celebrates the Sabbath from just before sunset on Friday afternoon until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. In Judaism, the Sabbath is mainly known as the Shabbat, and it is used as a day to remember God creating the world in six days and then resting on the seventh. The Jewish Sabbath is a day for Jews to rest from daily labors and focus on God and family. Most Jews follow a set of rules on the Sabbath that prohibits them from performing certain tasks, including spinning, cooking and sowing. Some Christian sects, including Seventh Day Adventists, also celebrate the Sabbath on Saturdays in ways similar to those of the Jewish faith.

The Christian Sabbath

The Christian Sabbath differs from the Jewish Sabbath because most Christians celebrate it on Sundays. For Christians it is the main day to go to church and worship the Lord, but it does not restrict Christians from activities. Several Christian groups, including the Puritans in past centuries, do use the Sabbath as a day of rest where most work is not done until the following day.

The Sabbath for both Christians and Jews is a holy day to reflect on God and rest from work. The majority of Christians celebrate this day every Sunday, while those of the Jewish faith celebrate from Friday evening through Saturday evening. Both versions were started to honor God and His creation of the world in six days before resting on the seventh.