The Seven Reasons I Celebrate Shabbat

Friday rolls around every week and it’s a perfect time to DO Jewish. Here’s seven things I love about Shabbat with my friends and family: 

1. Intention and Focus: Shabbat offers an opportunity to align your mind and body within space and time. In a world going a mile a minute, it can feel positively refreshing to be entirely focused on what you are experiencing in that moment. If you haven’t tried having Shabbat - or any meal- with your phone off or in another room, I highly recommend you try it!  
2. Tradition and Identity: Saying the blessings over the candles, bread, and wine, is not only spiritually nourishing but also helps instill a sense of identity within our children - connecting them to their heritage, culture, and the Jewish community worldwide. 
3. Spiritual Growth: Shabbat offers a chance for spiritual reflection and growth. It can help foster a sense of peace and mindfulness in you and your children. I sometimes include additional meditations or hold a moment of silence depending on how I am feeling, making each Shabbat experience a little different. 
4. Education and Values: Through Shabbat rituals, children learn about Jewish customs, prayers, and values. It's an opportunity to teach them about important concepts such as rest, gratitude, and the importance of community.
5. Rest and Renewal: Of course, Shabbat is a time to rest and rejuvenate. This break from the regular hustle is great for both physical and mental health, and gives your family space to process and switch gears. Sometimes I double down and take a bath with epsom salt… because rest is good!
6. Community and Connection: Since October 7th, the amount of community Shabbats I’ve seen is just through the roof, and it’s one positive side effect of the war. Enjoying a communal meal strengthens your bonds to your neighbors and builds a sense of belonging for your children.
7. Positive Role Modeling: By observing Shabbat - in whatever form it takes across the religious spectrum - you are modeling the importance of faith, family, and well-being. This helps to set a positive example for your kids – while also creating memories and building family traditions.

So if you were looking for the nudge to do a family Shabbat this Friday or to join a Shabbat dinner hosted by someone on your WhatsApp or FB Group - consider this your sign! We are all stronger, healthier, and better together.