Shabbat: A Jewish Island in Time

For many Icelanders, Judaism may seem like something distant—rooted in ancient history or perhaps glimpsed briefly in films or books. But Judaism is also a living tradition, and one of its most cherished elements is Shabbat, or the Sabbath.

Shabbat is not just a "day off" or a religious obligation. It is often described by Jewish thinkers as a “sanctuary in time” - a 25-hour weekly pause that begins at sunset on Friday and ends after dark on Saturday. It is a time for rest, reflection, family, and community, and it has been observed by Jews across the world for thousands of years.

Ilan Hasson - Shabbat Candles

A Weekly Reset

In a world that often moves too fast, Shabbat invites people to slow down. Traditional Jewish practice includes lighting candles on Friday evening, enjoying festive meals, singing songs, and refraining from work or technology. But the core idea is simple: to step away from the noise of the world and reconnect—with others, with oneself, and with something deeper.

One of the most symbolic moments of Friday evening is the Kiddush, a short blessing recited over a cup of wine. The word “Kiddush” means “sanctification,” and it marks the beginning of the Shabbat meal. But more than a ritual, it's a reminder that time can be made sacred—not by grand gestures, but by intention.

A Personal Perspective

I have to admit—there was a time when I wanted nothing to do with anything religious. I worked for eight years as a video editor for weddings and events, and during one such project I had a conversation with a well-known rabbi in Israel about wedding traditions. When I asked him why so many rituals seemed outdated or irrelevant, he said something that stuck with me:

“To sanctify something doesn’t mean it has to be religious. Kiddush means to make something special, to separate it from the ordinary.”

That moment changed the way I saw Shabbat.

If I wake up at 6 a.m. every day to work, maybe on Shabbat I sleep in. If my week is all deadlines and errands, then maybe Shabbat is the day I paint, go on a long walk with my dog, or binge-watch a show I love. Later it became a day when I could spend time with my partner and be present. It’s not about rules: it’s about permission to step out of routine and make space for joy, quiet, or creativity.

Ancient Roots, Modern Meaning

The idea of Shabbat comes from the Hebrew Bible, where God rests on the seventh day of creation. This concept later influenced many cultures and religions. But in Jewish life, Shabbat has always been about more than theology, it has been a weekly anchor, a way to survive and thrive through history.

Interestingly, while many Jews around the world - especially in communities like those in Europe or North America, observe Shabbat in flexible, personal ways, in Israel the word "Shabbat" is often associated with strict religious observance. But this doesn’t have to be the case. In every corner of the Jewish world, people are finding ways to make Shabbat meaningful, whether or not they see themselves as religious.

More Than Just a Day

At its heart, Shabbat isn’t about what you can’t do. It’s about what you can do when you create space. It reminds us to slow down, to appreciate, to connect. It teaches us that not all time is equal, some moments are meant to be held a little more gently.

For Jewish Icelanders and Israelis living here, inviting Icelandic friends to experience even part of a Shabbat evening, a dinner, a song, or a quiet conversation, can be a beautiful way to share this tradition. In a world full of noise, Shabbat offers something rare: a breath of calm, a moment apart.