The traditional Yiddish greeting of Ashkenazi Jews is “Gut Shabbos,” which means “Good Sabbath.” This greeting is used in place of both “hello” and “goodbye.” When used in parting, however, it is modified slightly to “Ah gutten Shabbos.”
Shabbat, also known as the Jewish Sabbath or “Shabbos,” is the day of rest and worship in Judaism with Shabbat meaning “rest.” One of the most significant traditions in Jewish culture, Shabbat is observed every Friday evening until the following Saturday evening.
On Shabbos (or Shabbat), traditional Jews refrain from work and engage in prayer, family meals, and Torah study. The difference in terminology does not imply a difference in the observance's nature but reflects linguistic and cultural diversity within the Jewish community.
The Sabbath (in Hebrew, Shabbat , pronounced shah-BAHT–or in some communities, Shabbos, “SHAH-bis”) may be Judaism’s most distinctive and characteristic practice, as well as one of its most pervasive and long-lasting gifts to Western civilization.
When the Torah tells us that Hashem blessed Shabbos and made it holy,” it does not mean just that He turned it into a special or elevated time. Rather, it means that He made Shabbos the root and source of all blessing, and the wellspring from which all kedusha h flows.
In Judaism there is one holiday that occurs every week -- the Sabbath. Known in Hebrew as Shabbat and in Yiddish as Shabbos, it begins at sundown on Friday and ends on Saturday evening with Havdalah, a short ceremony that separates Shabbat from the rest of the week.
Ashkenazi Jews, or Jews from Eastern Europe, say “Shabbos” and will commonly wish someone a “Good Shabbos.” Shabbat is a time to disconnect from unceasing distractions and reconnect with yourself and with those you love.