Photograph reproduced in Abood Cohen’s manuscript
From the author’s manuscript, page 65.

Before the sun sets

The neighborhood grows quiet on Friday. Meals have been prepared and water stored in thermoses. People walk toward the synagogue in their special garments. Inside, bakhoor incense rises from glowing charcoal. Abood describes the congregation gathering closely, with the cantor waiting for the appointed moment and for the High Priest’s arrival.

The sound of shared prayer

At points in the service, the congregation divides into two sides. One side chants while the other waits; sometimes their voices sound together. Children sit beside their parents and learn through listening. Near sunset the congregation turns toward Mount Gerizim. The evening’s movement from preparation into prayer is also a movement into a different pace of life.

Prayer before dawn

The morning service begins around three. Abood recalls walking to the synagogue even in cold and stormy weather. Familiar melodies tell him how far the prayer has progressed if he arrives late. In his description, some passages move quickly while others stretch a few words across long moments. The melody has a fixed shape; learning it requires memory, repetition, and attention.

Reading around a family circle

After the morning service comes the Nobeh, the weekly Torah reading. Extended families sit in a circle, each person holding a Torah. The eldest begins, and verses are recited with their familiar melodies. Abood describes both the difficulty of mastering the pauses and the encouragement given to those who read. Breakfast follows, then rest before the midday prayer.

The hours between prayers

The Sabbath is also made of tea, conversation, books, food, and visits. Abood writes about his grandmother, his brothers and cousins, and the quiet that comes when phones are off. Later there is another prayer, a light family meal, and time to rest or visit. He especially values the final part of the day spent praying with his grandfather at home. The day’s structure makes room for both shared worship and intimate family life.

The idea to keep

Sabbath is experienced through a rhythm of preparation, prayer, reading, family, and rest.

For your notebook

How do sound and silence each help give this day its character?

Source & editorial note. Adapted from Abood Cohen’s 2026 book manuscript, PDF pages 30–34. Headings, summaries, and study prompts are editorial additions. Personal recollections and religious traditions are presented as such. Read our approach.