Shabbat

In Exodus 31:16-17 God commanded us saying "The people of Isra’el are to keep the Shabbat, to observe Shabbat through all their generations as a perpetual covenant.17 It is a sign between me and the people of Isra’el forever; for in six days Adonai made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and rested.’”

The Shabbat is traditionally celebrated from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night and is a time to rest, spend time with the Lord and with friends and family. Candles are lit at sundown on Friday night to symbolize the beginning of the Sabbath and prayers are recited over the family, the candles, bread and wine or grape juice. The Shabbat is closed out Saturday night at sundown with the Havdalah ceremony, The Havdalah ceremony consists of lighting the Havdalah candle, reciting blessings that thank Adonai for a restful Shabbat and ask Him to bless the coming week, and smelling the spices that represent the sweetness of Shabbat.

All these are ways for us to remember the gift of rest that Adonai has given us and help us to set aside the time as sacred. Why not give it a try with your family? Many families make this a special time to get together and spend time with each other. They use their finest dishes and cook special recipes, play games or just talk about the week past and how Adonai has blessed and helped them.

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