In what ways has the Sabbath been central to Judaism(s) and Jewish identities?

In 600-750 words, please describe Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) in as much detail as you can.
What are the characteristic rituals, the weave of Halakha and Aggadah, and the historical or mythological events they are said to commemorate or evoke.
In what ways has the Sabbath been central to Judaism(s) and Jewish identities?

(Root this in specific examples and sources, which could range from Oliver Sacks to the Rabbis, Maimonides, and the Kabbalists, to

Heschel and Blu Greenberg and contemporary Jewish ecologists.)
Wherever possible, make observations about the diverse function of these observances (both acts of restraint and acts of doing) in different times, places, and communities.
Building on (C): What is the meaning of Celebratory Rest and Holy Restraint; and what sorts of meaning do these acts promote?

 

 

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