Planning A Noahide Shabbat
The first thing to know about Shabbat is that Gentiles are not commanded to observe it. In fact, Gentiles are not permitted to observe Shabbat in the same way that Jews do (for example, on Shabbat observant Jews do not work, drive, cook, spend money, turn on/off light switches, etc.).
However, Gentiles are permitted to observe Shabbat in other ways, should they choose to do so. Here are some permitted ways for a Gentile to observe Shabbat:
- Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and goes until about an hour after sunset on Saturday (check Chabad.org for specific times depending on the date), so a special dinner may be made on Friday night for family / friends. One may light a candle as part of the dinner (without saying a blessing).
- If one has a family, one may take time on Friday night / Saturday to spend extra quality time with them.
- Extra time may be devoted to prayers. (Note: Psalm 92 is specifically for the Seventh Day, and Psalms from chapters 120–150 are specially designated as appropriate to say on that day as well.)
- Reading / studying the Torah, and/or books for Noahides that discuss the Torah especially in relation to the Seven Noahide Commandments (recommended: the website AskNoah.org and the book “The Divine Code” by Rabbi Moshe Weiner).
- Spending time outside in nature (walking, hiking, etc.)
Good Shabbat / Shabbat Shalom!
