Elie Wiesel's memoir Night depicts his memories of surviving the Holocaust. While most of the memoir traces Elie's life at Auschwitz and during the death march, the first chapter details the growing antisemitism and unrest that Elie and his family experience in his hometown of Sighet. The Jews first have to follow specific regulations; then, they are moved into ghettos in the town. Finally, the Jews are held in the local synagogue before being expelled and moved via cattle car to Auschwitz. Elie and his family are expelled on a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. The tragic irony of this day is that on the Sabbath, Jews are supposed to rest and reflect on God. Meanwhile, Elie and his family are having to walk toward an unknown fate that will ultimately lead to the loss of faith in God for many.

In the novel "Night" the Wiesel family as well as the other Jewish people were expelled on the Sabbath.  As devout Jewish people their Sabbath day begins on Friday night at sundown and continues through Saturday night at sundown.  During this period of time the people do no work or unnecessary activity of any kind.  The Jewish people believe that this is time for reflection, rest, and worship of their Lord.  They were forced to gather all their belongings and leave their homes on this most holy of days.