ABSTRACT
According to the Book of Exodus, the Sabbath is a covenant between Israel and God. On Sabbath morning the liturgy consists of a morning service, a reading of the Torah and the Haftarah, and the additional service. In the service itself, introductory prayers prior to the Shema differ from those of weekdays, and the Amidah is also different. Seven individuals are called to the reading of the Law, and an eighth for a reading from the prophets. The Havdalah ceremony marks the conclusion of the Sabbath period. It consists of four blessings. Three are recited over wine, spices and lights, and the service concludes with the Havdalah blessing. In the Sephardi, Ashkenazi and Yemenite rites, the blessings are similar, but the introductory sentences are different. The Ashkenazi rite contains Biblical phrases with the term 'salvation'; the Sephardi requests the granting of bountifulness and success; the Yemenite prays for a successful week.
