Shabbat is probably the most difficult mitzvah for me to write about much less practice. However, it is the most important ritual mitzvah, and therefore worthy of further contemplation. Conceptually it is also perhaps the most spiritually valuable mitzvah: all individuals are relieved of the labors of everyday life, you have the opportunity to contemplate the spiritual aspects of life and can spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately it also happens to involve some of the most difficult restrictions of any observance or festival days in Judaism. Those restrictions are split into two commandments: to observe or Shamor and to remember or Zakhor.
I find it especially difficult to fulfill the first commandment to guard or observe. I take issue with some of the precepts surrounding the term guard; you can’t grow or prepare food, you can’t create or build, you can’t handle objects that are used during the week for work, you aren’t allowed to do things that are not in the spirit of the day or rather are weekday in spirit. When I kept Shabbat, based upon those restrictions, I did next to nothing from the time I lit the candles on Fri night to when the sun went down on Saturday. Arguably, being a sloth for close to 24 hours can be excellent for your well being. I’d spend a lot of time reading, playing and resting, and those are all good things, but I’d often not eat, rarely having the presence of mind to prepare food ahead of time. I’d also stay in the house, at times not even dressing until late Saturday for Havdalah. The net effect of all of those things was by Saturday evening I was lethargic and dreading all the things I’d need to do on Sunday to get ready for the week; not some super meditative state where I’d reinter the week feeling all relaxed and energized. After a few months of struggle, I took it upon myself to reinvent the practice to better fit my lifestyle.
You can’t grow or prepare food: The literal translation of this one is impossible and you need to eat to maintain your blood sugar and maintain all those positive vibes (Cranky is definitely un-Shabbat). My somewhat lame attempt to try to follow this restriction is that I try to not actually cook but I do at the very least prepare food.
You can’t create or build: I’ve added to this my own little disclaimer-for profit. I don’t do any work and will not do work that is for monetary gain – no matter what. However, I will create because I do enjoy the feelings you gain from indulging in a pursuit that brings you happiness.
You can’t handle objects that are used during the week for work: for me that is my computer and my phone. Sorry, that’s not happening but I do limit myself to enriching activities and nothing at all work related.
You aren’t allowed to do things that are not in the spirit of the day: Well, I agree that you should never ask people to do your work for you. So this one is relatively simple for me given the disclaimer I added above.
You aren’t allowed to do things that are weekday in spirit: I try not to talk, think, plan, rehash, or dwell on my work week at all. I take some time pre-Shabbat, Friday afternoons to let go of all of that mess and start Shabbat with a clean heart and an open mind.
The other aspect of Shabbat is reflection: There are all kinds of rituals that are special to Shabbat and all are designed to remember the day; the lighting of the candles, eating challah and prayers on Friday evenings, to the family meals and the ritual of Havdalah on Saturday. While I don’t often perform the specific rituals I do translate their significance to whatever activity that I do.
I do wholeheartedly believe that the concept of Shabbat as a method to break up the separate segments of your existence is an excellent idea. Take a simple break from your work life, reflect for a day and do whatever it is that makes you happy and relaxed. Enjoy your time and be aware of all that is good in your life. Simply appreciate what you have and the opportunity to be.
Vibrant Thing 