The Joy of Shabbat

The Best Place To End – And Begin – Every Week!

Shabbat is the first Moedim (appointed time) established by HaShem, and the only one of the 10 commandments based in time.

On the seventh day of creation, G-d ceased from his labors. Likewise, we are commanded to keep the seventh day of the week (Saturday) holy, or set-apart and special, by ceasing from all our labors and focusing our solely on HaShem, His Word in Torah, and His provision through Messiah.

Shabbat begins just before sundown on Friday evening and ends after sundown Saturday night (technically when three stars – or witnesses – are visible in the sky.) On Shabbat, we remember that G-d created the universe, our world, and everything therein, then ceased from His creating. Shabbat is considered the most important of the Jewish holidays – even more important than Yom Kippur – and is therefore a most holy and special day, marked by three qualities: rest (menuchah), holiness (kedushah), and joy (oneg)!

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he ceased from all his work.” Genesis 2:2

Though most bibles use the phrase “rested” a more accurate translation of the Hebrew is “ceased” or “to desist from activity.” Certainly HaShem needed no “rest” as though he was tired. Rather, this was the point at which He had put the crowing touches on creation, then stepped back to proclaim His work was good – very good!

“You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest.” Exodus 34:21

For us, physical rest is clearly an element of Shabbat – and Baruch HaShem (praise G-d) for that. Even so, there is another even more important element that is even closer to the heart of G-d – and that is the holy, spiritual aspect. Imagine yourself working on a massive 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle for many weeks. Now imagine the expectation and excitement you begin to feel seeing 100 pieces left in the box…now 50 pieces…now 10 pieces! Finally, you snap the final piece in place and step back to observe your creation with with a sense of completion, accomplishment, and joyous relief. That is precisely the deeper element of joy and satisfaction on Shabbat. Just as HaShem ceased and proclaimed His work good, we cease from our labors, consider His provisions and blessings for us, and proclaim Him as good!

Erev Shabbat

As we labor each week, we know Shabbat is coming and as it nears, our excitement builds. Each Friday our joy peaks as we finally lay down our burdens and prepare our homes for Erev Shabbat with friends and family. We use our finest dinnerware, set a favorite meal upon the table, fill the crystal glasses with our best wine, pull fresh baked Challah bread from the oven, then sit down together with a heart full of joy, thanksgiving, and praise to HaShem our G-d and father for his faithfulness. Bless the Lord oh my soul – we made it again. Shabbat Shalom!!!

If you have never experienced the joy of Erev Shabbat, please use the contact form to let us know. We will be happy to speak with you further and where appropriate, make arrangements for you to join one of our host families for Erev Shabbat dinner. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch the introductory video below, then visit our Erev Shabbat resources page for more information.