Obedience to a Sacred Day
The Sabbath is one of the most important days in Judaism, held to be both a divine commandment and a spiritual practice. Keeping the Sabbath holy is a commandment from God to refrain from work from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. The Sabbath is a way for Jews to honor and commemorate the remembrance of the divine gift of rest, when God ceased from the work of creating the world. As such, it is a sacred day that brings peace and renewal and a way to break one’s daily routine and celebrate the day of rest.
The term “Sabbath” originates from the Hebrew word shabbat, meaning “to cease” or “to rest.” As noted in the Torah, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, and he commanded the Israelites to do the same—to remember and observe the Sabbath as a day of rest. For observant Jews, the Sabbath is a full-fledged day of rest, which includes refraining from work, leisurely activities, and all forms of exertion. It is a day to spend with family, to pray and to meditate, and to remember that one is living in the image of God.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, has pointed out that even though the Sabbath is considered a day of rest, it is much more than that. “The Sabbath is a day when, through our observance, we become partners with God in a work of creation.
In celebrating the Sabbath, we enter into a world filled with holiness and joy, where God’s presence permeates every moment of our lives. We gain insight into God’s holiness, love, and mercy, and live our lives with greater love and compassion for the world around us.”
Jewish scholars have further pointed out that the Sabbath should be observed not only spiritually, but also socially. This includes cultivating respect, kindness, and harmony when interacting with family, friends, and even strangers. The observance of the Sabbath is seen as a way to demonstrate one’s faith in the divine and to bring the holiness of Shabbat into everyday life.
At the same time, for many Jews, the Sabbath may be seen as a symbol of Jewish identity, as a reminder of their connection to the traditions and history of their faith. This can be seen in the traditional way of welcoming in Shabbat, with festive music, special Candle Lighting ceremonies, and the reciting of prayers. In doing so, Jews can more fully embrace their culture, celebrate their community, and honor their Creator.
Theology of the Sabbath
When looking at the theology of the Sabbath, there are a few major themes to consider. First and foremost, the Sabbath is seen as the day of rest and remembrance of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. In observing the Sabbath, Jews continue to affirm and celebrate this sacred relationship and the liberties they have as loyal citizens of the covenant.
Second, the Sabbath is seen as a day of spiritual growth and transformation. Jewish theologians state that it is during the Sabbath and other such solemn days that one can encounter the divine. This can be enabled through study and prayer, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the holiness of God.
Third, a special emphasis is placed on the Sabbath as a day of joy and celebration. As the Talmud states, “A person is obligated to make his home a place of joy on the Sabbath.” In other words, the Sabbath should be a time of rejoicing and delighting in the good that comes from the day of rest and in the divine presence.
Finally, contemporary Jewish scholars point out that even though the Sabbath is a day of rest, it is also a day of sanctification. Rabbi Sacks explains that as people rest from their daily labors, they also prepare to use their newfound energy and creativity to pursue spiritual growth and Torah study.
Modern Challenges of the Sabbath
Despite its importance in the Jewish faith, there are certain challenges to observing the Sabbath in the modern world. In an increasingly secularized world, it can be hard to set aside a day for sacred worship and spiritual growth, especially in an era of instant gratification and instant entertainment.
In addition, Sunday has become a de facto “day of rest” for many people, as a way to unwind from the work week and to spend time with family and friends. This has created a challenge for observant Jews, who must keep their Sabbath holy on Saturdays, rather than Sundays. Furthermore, the demands of modern life, with its relentless hectic pace, can make it difficult to observe the Sabbath in the holistic, fulfilling manner prescribed by the Torah.
In spite of these challenges, many Jews continue to observe the Sabbath with traditional rituals and reflective practices. For instance, a family may observe the traditional candle-lighting ceremony; they may dedicate time to Torah study; and they may refrain from work and activities that might distract them from spiritual meditation. In this way, Jews can use the Sabbath as a way to find solace from a hectic world, to bring rest and renewal, and to focus on the divine.
Worship of the Sabbath
The Jewish sages have taught that the act of keeping the Sabbath starts with welcoming in the Sabbath on Friday afternoon. On Fridays, Jews will go through a ceremony of welcoming the Sabbath, often known as the Kiddush. This ceremony involves the recitation of special prayers, followed by a sumptuous meal. This meal is usually served with special foods such as wine, bread, and challah.
Once the Sabbath arrives, Jews will spend time in prayer and meditation, often attending synagogue services. Religious Jews will dress in their best clothes, sing special songs of praise, and express their gratitude to God. They could even bring special treats with them to share with family and friends.
Once Shabbat is over, Jews will celebrate the end of the Sabbath with the Havdalah ceremony. This includes the lighting of a special candle, the recitation of prayers, and the drinking of wine, grape juice, or other beverages. This marks the end of the Sabbath and the beginning of the week.
The Spiritual Significance of the Sabbath
Ultimately, the Sabbath is a solemn, special day, one that is filled with love, peace, and joy, one that grounds its followers in their faith and in the divine. It serves both as a reminder of the covenant between God and the Jewish people, as well as a reminder of the holiness of the sacred. In this way, the Sabbath can be seen as a sign of hope and of a brighter future, when one can explore the depths of their faith, enter into the presence of God, and express true joy and love in the world around them.
The Qualities of the Day of Rest
For Jews, the Sabbath is a day to pause and reflect, a time to remember that one is living in the Holy Presence, and a reminder of the infinite joy of the divine. Jews strive to bring greater peace and holiness into the world by embracing the qualities of the day of rest. This includes begrudging no one, bribing no one, speaking no idle words, contemplating their soul, and sharing in joy with others.
The Sabbath gives Jews the opportunity to connect with one another, to deepen their spiritual understanding, and to revel in the holiness of the divine. In this way, the Sabbath serves as an embodiment of two sacred principles—rest and renewal—that can be found in the spiritual traditions of Judaism.
The Renewal of the Sabbath
Observing the Sabbath is once again becoming commonplace all over the world, both among religious and the more secular Jews. The modern world can offer many distractions, but the Sabbath remains a time to pause, to appreciate life, and to gather with friends and family.
As such, the Sabbath remains an important reminder of one’s faith and relationship with God. It brings peace, tranquility, and holiness into the home. Jews may even use the Sabbath as a time to reflect on their own spiritual growth and to embrace the renewal of their souls.
Rabbi Sacks puts it best when he explains that the Jews must “rededicate [themselves] to the mandate of resting on the seventh day: the ceasing, and the feeling of union with God, with nature and with [others] that both reflect and feed the spiritual life.” Thus, the Sabbath is a special day, one of peace and holiness, one of spiritual growth and renewal, and one that Jews continue to observe and celebrate to this day.
