Take a Cue from the Jews: It’s Sabbath!

I get the opportunity to consistently take people to the Holy Land. Watching the Jewish people usher in Shabbat, or Sabbath, is always a highlight of travel to Jerusalem. The Hebrew word “Shabbat” means “to rest” and it is a celebratory holy day. Jews celebrate its arrival and celebrate its departure. It is a premier manifestation of God’s will to break from the world and refresh the soul and it is also a new beginning—a fresh start to a new week of life. Both deserve celebration.

As you know, Jews commonly greet others with the word “Shalom”, which means “peace to you.” Throughout the entire day leading up to Shabbat that greeting changes to “Shabbat Shalom”, which means “peace to you, tomorrow is the Sabbath.” Again, Sabbath is a holy day that deserves acknowledgement and celebration.

The holy day begins at sundown Friday night. Observant Jews with gather with loved ones and light candles, break bread, and drink wine. These are symbolic of life, light, and new beginnings. Thousands of Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem gather at the Western Wall (a.k.a. The Wailing Wall) in the Jewish quarter of the Old City. The Yeshiva students walk together to the Wall. It is inspiring to watch these young Jews walk to the Wall down a series of steps from an upper part of the Jewish Quarter. They greet one another, sing, and celebrate. At the Wall they rejoice and dance. When I take people to the Western Wall to usher in Shabbat, I commit each of them to throw off their inhibitions and dance and sing with the Jews. They do. It is unforgettable! All are welcome to partake in the joy together at the Wall. Strangers, friends, foreigners, locals.

Back on the bus we share our experiences—all of them positive. Without exception, a teenager in the group will shout out, “Why don’t we celebrate the Sabbath like that at home?” My response is simple and straight forward. “There is nothing keeping you from celebrating the Sabbath like this. Do it—make it a celebration.” They agree to the terms.

Mormons usher in the Sabbath differently. But we can easily celebrate the day—sometimes we mourn its arrival. Well, we have been strongly encouraged to heighten our celebration of this holy day. Perhaps you can take some cues from the Jews on how to usher in the Sabbath and keep it with greater joy. This link takes you to the Western Wall on Friday night at the beginning of Shabbat. What you are about to see happens every week, without exception. Watch, enjoy, and welcome to Sabbath. Let the celebration begin!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW4LZOPBzNA