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Here are some answers to the question, "What is the best thing about Shabbat?" It's so much less distracting, so you can focus on what you really want to do. The nights ... they are so contemplative. Coming home Friday night, seeing the candles burning, singing "Shalom Aleichem," and giving the blessings to my children. It's so beautiful. The relaxation. As soon as Shabbat comes in, I relax. That feeling Friday night really gives me a taste of what rest is really all about. Family. Friday night is the one night that we're all together, and the meal is so special because we all take our time eating! The feeling you get after lighting candles: Whew! I made it! Now it's time for 24 hours of peace -- 24 hours where I'm the queen, ready to enjoy what I've worked for. You know, I don't even remember that I cooked the food! We get to see so much of each other. There are no meetings, no phones, no appointments. Just us. The nap... not the physical sleeping, but the idea of what it represents -- I don't have to go anywhere! Sitting around the table and discussing things for hours, interrupted only by the singing. It's a holiday! It subtracts you from the rest of the world for one day, and gives you enough energy for at least three. Shabbat carries the week; the week does not carry Shabbat. I feel so much closer to community; there's a real "togetherness" about it. I really feel I'm in another world on Shabbat. It makes me feel separate, in a very positive way, from everyday life. Not an escape in the running-away sense, just, well ... an oasis. It's the focus of my life that leaves me completely charged. Friday night. It's the time I feel most protected. When Shabbat comes in, I feel an opening to something much more spiritual. We take long, long walks on Shabbat. It gives me a feeling of control over my environment and an appreciation of our own physical resources. You can eat and sleep ... and it's a mitzvah! ADD YOUR OWN IDEA IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW! Adapted from "Friday Night and Beyond" by Lori Palatnik (Jason Aronson Pub.)
Published: Sunday, May 16, 2004
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enables me to realize how blessed i am
Shabbos enables me to take a step back and actually realize how blessed I am, without the fogginess of the busy week obstrtucting my view.
(6) Shilah Anderson, 3/9/2005
A "date" with my creator
It astounds me to know that G-d wants time with me. Me ! He has all the people in the world to look after, and yet He knows my name, and He wants time with me. Every Friday night I light the candles, watch the sunset, and remember the days of Gan Eden, when He walked with our first parents "in the cool of the day". I talk to Him all week, of course, but on Shabbat somehow it's special; I am on a 24-hour date with my Creator. I bask in His attention; we both smile; without that day, I know I could not make it through the week. I sit still a lot on Shabbat, and think.. or, I 'don't think'...whatever I need. The rest of my family is not observant yet, so I pray that they'll sense the happiness & peace I feel that day and they'll want to join me. Until then, I have a day with HaShem, who knows my name.
(5) Samantha Tucker, 25/1/2005
Shabbat
It is the most wonderful, relaxing day of the week where you can just close out the hectic world and enjoy being yourself.
(4) Rina, 17/1/2005
This is so great!
you could really go on for hours as to why shabbat is so amazing and special. everyone is so happy and carefree. our minds are tranquilized and we embrace this inner peace which we cannot feel during the rest of the hectic week. i love how everyone enjoys eachothers company and sings in harmony because that's what it's all about!