Each week, Jews have a day of rest known as Shabbat. It begins sunset on a Friday and ends when the stars appear on the following Saturday. According to the Talmud, this Sabbath was a `precious gift' from God. The Shabbat is more than a day of rest to the Jews, as it is seen as a holy day.

By observing Shabbat, Jews show their belief that God created the world, and after his work was complete he rested. (Genesis - Bereshit). Like God, Jews too have a day when they stop work. To many non-Jews it is difficult to understand what Jews mean by work on Shabbat. It is easier to think of them as the 39 Melachot, or the 39 jobs that Jews are forbidden to do on the Sabbath. These include making fire, such as turning on a light bulb, or cooking. This dates back to when...