SHABBAT MESSAGE: MARCH 23, 2024
Brothers and sisters in Yahushua,
The Sabbath Rest: Embracing the Shabbat
Introduction
Shalom Aleichem, beloved congregation. As we continue our journey in the light, today we turn our focus to a cornerstone of our faith: the Sabbath, or as we say in Paleo-Hebrew, the Shabbat. This day of rest is not just a time of physical relaxation, but also a time of spiritual renewal and reflection.
Understanding Shabbat
In the Torah, the Shabbat is a day set apart, a day of rest and worship. It’s a time to cease from our regular work and engage in activities that refresh our bodies and souls.
“Remember the day, Shabbat, to set it apart for God.” (Exodus 20:8, CJB)
This verse reminds us of the importance of Shabbat, a day to set apart for God. It’s a day to remember, a day to honor, a day to embrace.
Shabbat: A Time for Tzedakah
Shabbat is also a time for Tzedakah, a time to reflect on our obligations to God and our fellow humans. It’s a time to consider how we can contribute to the welfare of our community and the world.
“If you hold back your foot on Shabbat from pursuing your own interests on my holy day; if you call Shabbat a delight, Adonai’s holy day, worth honoring; then honor it by not doing your usual things or pursuing your interests or speaking about them.” (Isaiah 58:13, CJB)
This verse calls us to honor the Shabbat by refraining from our usual activities and interests. Instead, we are to delight in the Shabbat, to honor it as a day set apart for God.
The Role of Torah in Shabbat
The Torah provides us with guidelines on how to observe the Shabbat. It teaches us to cease from our regular work, to gather for worship, and to rest.
“On six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Shabbat of complete rest, holy to Adonai. Whoever does any work on the day of Shabbat must be put to death.” (Exodus 31:15, CJB)
This verse emphasizes the importance of rest on the Shabbat. It’s a day to cease from our regular work and engage in activities that refresh our bodies and souls.
Conclusion
As we walk in the light, pursuing Shalom, let us embrace the teachings of the Torah and the practice of observing the Shabbat. Let us strive to create a community of love, justice, and righteousness, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. In doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations to God and our fellow humans, but we also bring ourselves closer to the peace and harmony that is Shalom.
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Shalom!