Shabbat

http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm
The Sabbath (or Shabbat, as it is called in Hebrew) is one of the best known and least understood of all Jewish observances. People who do not observe Shabbat think of it as a day filled with stifling restrictions, or as a day of prayer like the Christian Sabbath. But to those who observe Shabbat, it is a precious gift from G-d, a day of great joy eagerly awaited throughout the week, a time when we can set aside all of our weekday concerns and devote ourselves to higher pursuits. In Jewish literature, poetry and music, Shabbat is described as a bride or queen, as in the popular Shabbat hymn Lecha Dodi Likrat Kallah (come, my beloved, to meet the [Sabbath] bride). It is said "more than Israel has kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept Israel."

Thanks for the great comment!! You hit the nail on the head!! We also study Hebrew texts and have long conversations at the table. We prepare special foods to eat, and have time to visit friends and relations without time pressure. Even on Wednesday it is the custom to wish each other "Shabbat Shalom"!!!