The Complex Relationship between Observing the Sabbath and Health

Background: The sabbath is a key element of many religions and has a variety of social, psychological, and spiritual aspects that can affect health and well-being. The Jewish sabbath has distinctive features, including many proscriptions and prescriptions. However, there has been surprisingly little research about this issue despite its potential implications for both individuals and organizations.

Aims: This study examined the nature of the relationship between observing the Sabbath and both physical and mental health, while considering the social context and analyzing how findings varied by sociocultural and other demographic variables as well as by aspects of religiosity and spirituality.

Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed online in September-October 2024, using a variety of platforms to increase representativeness. The sample included 331 adult Jews in the U.S, Europe and Israel. The survey consisted of 68 questions related to several dimensions of religion, spirituality, physical health, mental health, health behaviors, social environment and sabbath observance as well as demographic information. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: The sample represented a diversity of levels of religiosity, spirituality and Sabbath observance. In general, a positive albeit complex relationship was found between sabbath observance and health, with a stronger relationship for mental than physical health. Sabbath observance was associated with improved coping as well as better overall well-being. Outcomes varied by some contextual and demographic variables. For example, those who observed the sabbath with others had greater well-being.

Conclusions: The Sabbath can be an important source of social and religious capital and can counterbalance modern life’s stresses and ever present distractions, and sabbath observance can have health benefits. Steps should be taken to raise awareness of these benefits as well as facilitate Sabbath observance. The study’s findings also have implications for organizations by promoting employee well-being and effectiveness.