SHABBAT RESOURCES

Introduction

Shabbat* is central to Judaism. It is the climax of our creation story. God creates the world in six days, and on the seventh day God rests. Why rest? Isn’t God omnipotent? And wasn’t the creation just a series of “Let There Be” moments? Actually, the allegory of God resting on the seventh day is an instruction for us to do likewise. And it is far more than taking a day off from work. Especially in a 24/7 society such as ours, it is important for all of us to share our day off, to align ourselves, to make it a day in which we share our time transcending everyday work. It is a holy day - Exodus recites that God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, VaY’Kadesh Oto - from the word Kadosh - meaning sacred.

Exodus says, and we recite in the Kiddush, that God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because on the seventh day God “Shavat VaYinafash.” These are two concepts central to Shabbat. Shavat means “physically rested.” Yinafash* means “was spiritually restored.” Shabbat is both a physical and emotional respite from our daily tribulations, from the seemingly overwhelming hassles of daily life. It is the opportunity to step back and see the bigger picture, to remember that there is a bigger picture. To ask ourselves about our purpose. Not the little, daily purpose; the bigger purpose. It is a chance to adjust our telescopes, calibrate our compasses, tune our instruments.
Shabbat is also the focus of the fourth Commandment which appears twice in the Torah. In Exodus the Commandment reads Zachor et Yom Hashabbat L’Kadsho - remember the Shabbat and sanctify it. In Deuteronomy the fourth Commandment reads Shamor et Yom Hashabbat L’Kadsho - keep or observe the Shabbat and sanctify it. Observe refers to the rituals of Shabbat. Remember refers to the memories of our ancestors and their ways, often under great duress, of celebrating this holy day.

We sanctify the Shabbat by raising a cup of wine as we recite the Kiddush. On Friday evening the blessing reads: Bless you, God, who sanctifies the Shabbat - M’Kadesh HaShabbat. Kiddush is not merely a recitation, it is a ceremony. We are all familiar with ceremonies –– Pledge of Allegiance in home room, National Anthem at ball games. Their purpose is to align us, have us do the same thing, say the same words in unison, harmonize our thoughts, focus our attention. The Kiddush ceremony focuses us on the four elements of the sanctity of Shabbat: rest, spiritual restoration, observing its rituals, and remembering.

--Mel Klein

Mel Klein is a writer and producer with a background in
entertainment law.