What is Shabbat Mode™ on the Zomee Z2?
By The Zomee Team · Updated July 12, 2026
Shabbat Mode™ is a pre-set, no-intervention operation setting built into the Zomee Z2 breast pump. You program your pumping schedule before Shabbat begins, and once the mode is activated the pump runs automatically on those pre-set intervals and durations: no buttons, no switches, no manual adjustments during Shabbat itself.
It is the first Shabbat Mode feature for breast pumps in the U.S. The pump is certified by STAR-K and the Institute for Science and Halacha as meeting the highest standards of Jewish law, and it is the first and only breast pump in the U.S. certified by STAR-K. Here is what the mode does, who it helps, and how it changes a pumping session.
How Shabbat Mode works
Once Shabbat Mode is activated, the pump follows your pre-set schedule automatically for as long as it runs. A pumping bra is required to secure the collection cups to your body before and during pumping, so everything stays in place without you holding it. If a cup shifts out of place during a session, it can be repositioned with your elbow.
Everything happens before Shabbat begins. You set two values on the pump, then let it run on its own.
- Pumping Duration is the total time the pump operates during each session. It can be set anywhere between 1 and 30 minutes.
- Interval Time is the gap between sessions. It determines how long the pump stays off before it automatically starts the next one.
Who Shabbat Mode is for
Shabbat Mode was built for Shabbat- and Yom Tov-observant moms who pump. Before it existed, observant nursing moms used a manual pump or hand expression, pumped extra before Shabbat began, and discarded any milk pumped during Shabbat.
The certification guidance is broader than many moms expect. The Zomee pump may be used on Shabbat for any reason, not only under specific circumstances; convenience counts. And when using the pump, there is no difference between Shabbat and Yom Tov.
If you keep Shabbat and pump, the Z2 is the pump to look at. If you are still comparing the whole Zomee lineup, the pump quiz can help you decide whether the Z2 fits the rest of your week too.
The certification behind it
STAR-K Certification is a nonprofit kosher certification agency, one of the largest of more than 1,400 certifying bodies worldwide. It serves over 3,100 locations and certifies food products, appliances, establishments, and industrial food chemicals.
The Institute for Science and Halacha works on harmonizing modern technology with Jewish law. Its team of rabbis, engineers, and scientists develops practical solutions that let observant Jews use contemporary technology without compromising halachic principles. Shabbat Mode is that kind of solution: a pre-set, no-intervention operation mode for religious observance, developed with the Institute's rabbis, engineers, and scientists.
How it differs from a regular Z2 session
On an ordinary day, the Z2 pumps as usual: three pumping modes with nine suction levels each, suction up to 260 mmHg, a closed system with anti-backflow protection, an LCD screen with a night light, and a rechargeable battery that runs 2+ hours. You press buttons, change levels, and stop when you are done.
In Shabbat Mode, all of those decisions move to before Shabbat begins. The schedule is fixed in advance, and the pump starts, runs, and stops on its own. The Shabbat Mode Edition bundle ships with hands-free collection cups with sizing inserts, plus 17, 19, 21, and 24 mm flanges, so fit options come in the box.
What the halachic guidance covers
The certification materials answer the questions moms actually run into on Shabbat. The key points:
- You may not put the collection-cup bra on after the pump starts, but you may take it off before the pump stops.
- If you do not have the collection-cup bra, you may not hold the cups in your hand. In extenuating circumstances, discuss it with your rabbi.
- Cups may be adjusted during a session only if doing so will not interrupt the process of expressing milk.
- Cups can be cleaned with cold water on Shabbat if they are needed for use on Shabbat.
- After the pump stops, you may save the milk for use after Shabbat and move it to the refrigerator.
Questions moms ask
Can I use Shabbat Mode on Yom Tov?
Yes. The certification guidance states that when using the Zomee pump, there is no difference between Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Do I need a specific reason to use the pump on Shabbat?
No. The guidance states the pump may be used on Shabbat for any reason, including convenience, not only under specific circumstances.
Can I keep the milk I pump on Shabbat?
After the pump stops, you may save the milk for use after Shabbat and move it to the refrigerator. Please discuss with your local rabbi before using the milk.
What if a collection cup slips during a session?
It can be repositioned with your elbow. Cups may be adjusted during a session only if doing so will not interrupt the process of expressing milk.
Is the Shabbat Mode Edition a different pump from the regular Z2?
No. Shabbat Mode is built into the Z2; the Shabbat Mode Edition bundles the same pump with hands-free collection cups. The motor, suction, and closed anti-backflow system are the same.
