Why the word Sabbat?

[Old Soul]

It comes from Hebrew language and it means "rest". Why would pagans use a Hebrew word? Why not some other word in this matter? Paganism doesn't come from jews, that's for sure.

[Firebird]

This is a really great question. I had been under the assumption it was just a variation of spelling to differentiate Sabbat from Shabbat/Sabbath. Basically, meaning the same thing as to take a break from the mundane world and reflect on the scared. But the history of the word is pretty vast, seems to be a word evolving. From Middle English>Old English to Well here is what Etymology online has to say:

Middle English sabat, from Old English sabat "seventh day of the week in the Jewish calendar; Saturday" as observed by the Jews as a day of rest from secular employment and of religious observance, from Old French sabat and directly from Latin sabbatum, from Greek sabbaton, from Hebrew shabbath, properly "day of rest," from shabath "he rested" (from labor). The spelling with -th is attested from late 14c. but was not widespread until 16c.

https://www.etymonline.com/word/Sabbath ... ne_v_22557

Since most of what we all are practicing is a living tradition, meaning it grows and evolves over time.
From what I could gather the first time it was used isn't really clear. Several sources say this that and the other. Historically witches Sabbath was Christian in connotation relating to the worship of demons and Devils but there is another argument to the fact that that is a different theology than what most witches these days are doing. In relationship the wheel of the year and the 8 holidays. This is why I think the different spelling was to define the subtle difference, to the Jewish root word.
bb, F.

[Old Soul]

Yes, you shared different variations of the same thing because word is being taken from jews and just pronounced differently while the core origin is still the same. Personally, I would prefer to use some other word but I know that won't be the case for all the pagans out there, and it shouldn't be. It makes me feel tied to judaism because of the word itself. I think that using a word holiday can seal the deal for me. ^_^

[Firebird]

Can't even think of a word that would mean the same thing, except Holiday...Holy-day.
What would be a better word?, maybe it will take off!
bb, F

[Old Soul]

Honestly I am not sure. It says that words

Feriae : This refers to "holidays" or "days of rest and celebration," often used in ancient Roman context.
Dies Festus : This translates to "festival day" or "holy day."