Why Jews can’t drive car at Shabbat

Inna Kozhurina
Aug 27, 2017 · 3 min read

And other interesting Shabbat traditions

Shabbat — it is Saturday, so it is day af God rest and day of people rest too. It is the day religious jews can not create or destruct anything. They can spend this day only on family, rest and prayers. It seems that everything is logical — God has holyday on weekend, and we should have it. But it is not such simple — spend this day without breaking special rules. I described a couple of situations to clean the understanding of Shabbat.

No devices and smoking

Using some electronic devices we create electronic circuits in obvious quantity. Therefore all computer work, phone work ond other work with devices is avalibale. But i think, it is big advantage. You really have time on your family and communion. It is really cool. I am so admire this rule, and think now about judaism like interesting for me religion :)

You can’t smoke at this holyday. Ok, not bad, it is harmful habit, christians don’t like smoke to. But this rule works at Shabbat through another reason. When you fire the sigarett, you CREATE fire, and you DESTROY this sigarette. It is unacceptable for religious jews.

No cars

I suppose, you are beginning to gues about reason. Engine work, lighting, headlights, devices… Yes, creating and destuction. So, you can not travel with family at this day. Only in nearest garden. By the way you can’t use the work of other people, so you can not go with taxi or bus. And you can’t shave, Because it is hair destruction

Don’t tuch money. It is another rule, not about creating. You can’t buy anything, sorry. And all kosher shops are closed.

Shabbat breaks

But there are also good news. You can break rules to save someone’s life or health. For example, if your wife gives birth, you should use car and bring her to hospital. But after that you shoulgn’t turn off the engine or drive car at home. Only if your wife worries about it, and it is danger for her halth and for babies birthday. If it is, you can drive car at home.

Jewish Joke

It is a Joke about cunning Jews wishing to break Shabbat rules:” Religious Jew tell about divine miracle:

— I went down the street to Shabbat. And found purse. What can I do? I can not work and tuch money and purses at Saturday… So, I prayed to the God:

— God, help me! I am very poor, and i need this purse so much! Give me a miracle please!

And i watch around and see the Miracle! An all street it is Saturday, but on little place around me it is Friday!”

Shabbat Shalom!

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