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📅 How to Calculate Biblical Sabbath Times

From Friday Evening to Saturday Evening

Leviticus 23:32 - "From even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath."

⏰ When Exactly Does Sabbath Begin?

Biblical Definition of Evening:

Sabbath begins at SUNSET on Friday (the 6th day)

Sabbath ends at SUNSET on Saturday (the 7th day)

📍 Sunset = When the sun disappears below the horizon

Nehemiah 13:19 - "And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut..."

The phrase "began to be dark" refers to the twilight period just after sunset. This is when Sabbath officially begins.

📱 Step-by-Step Calculation Guide

Method 1: Using Online Tools

  1. Find your local sunset time:
    • Go to timeanddate.com/sun
    • Enter your city/location
    • Check Friday's sunset time
  2. Begin Sabbath preparation:
    • Start 30-60 minutes before sunset
    • Complete all work and cooking
    • Light candles if desired (before sunset)
  3. Welcome the Sabbath:
    • At sunset, the Sabbath has begun
    • Say opening prayers/blessings
    • Rest from all work
  4. End of Sabbath:
    • Check Saturday's sunset time
    • Sabbath ends when sun sets Saturday
    • Can resume work after sunset

Method 2: Visual Observation

  1. Watch the sun on Friday:
    • When sun touches the horizon, prepare
    • When sun disappears, Sabbath begins
    • No technology needed!
  2. Three stars method (traditional):
    • Some wait until 3 stars visible Saturday night
    • This ensures Sabbath is fully complete
    • Adds 20-40 minutes after sunset

🌍 Example Sabbath Times by Season

Season Location Friday Sunset Saturday Sunset Sabbath Hours
Summer New York 8:00 PM 7:59 PM ~24 hours
Winter New York 4:30 PM 4:31 PM ~24 hours
Summer Jerusalem 7:45 PM 7:44 PM ~24 hours
Winter Jerusalem 4:40 PM 4:41 PM ~24 hours

Note: Sabbath is always approximately 24 hours, from evening to evening, regardless of season.

📋 Preparation Day Checklist

Friday Before Sunset:

Exodus 16:23 - "Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto Yahuah: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe..."

⚠️ Common Calculation Errors to Avoid

❌ FALSE: Dawn to Dawn (Sunrise to Sunrise)

❌ FALSE: Lunar Sabbath Calculation

❌ FALSE: Midnight to Midnight

❌ FALSE: 6 PM Fixed Time

🌅 Special Circumstances

Polar Regions (Extreme Latitudes)

In areas with 24-hour daylight or darkness:

Cloudy Days

When you can't see the sunset:

Travel Across Time Zones

When traveling on Sabbath:

📖 Biblical Examples of Sabbath Timing

Mark 1:32 - "And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased..."

They waited until sunset (Sabbath ended) before bringing the sick for healing.

Joshua 8:29 - "And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down..."

The body had to be removed at sunset before the new day began.

Deuteronomy 16:6 - "...thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun..."

"At even" is defined as "the going down of the sun" - sunset!

✅ Quick Reference Summary

Sabbath Calculation Formula:

Friday Sunset → Saturday Sunset = Sabbath

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