Shabbat is an island in time. From sunset on Friday until nightfall on Saturday, we transcend the concerns of material life. God created for six days and rested on the seventh; by resting on Shabbat, we bear witness to the Divine creation in six days and align our lives with the Divine cycle of creation and rest.
""Work" in relation to Shabbat does not refer to physical exertion, but rather to what the Torah considers creative work. For example, writing or cooking are prohibited; carrying furniture into a room is not.
Regardless of your profession, on Shabbat your work ceases to exist. No transactions or purchases should be made. Telephones, computers, microwaves, and dishwashers are all silenced, as no electrical or electronic devices are to be operated on Shabbat. Lights, heaters, and air conditioners are turned on before Shabbat. All cooking and baking is done before Shabbat.
No one is allowed to travel by car, bus, train, or plane. No one is allowed to carry objects in public areas.
All Shabbat laws are suspended in the event of a life-threatening emergency. For example, if a person is in a life-threatening situation, they should call a doctor, take a taxi to the hospital, etc.
Talking about business or other worldly matters should be avoided. Shabbat is a time for seeking spirituality: Torah study, prayer, and quality time with family.
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