A universal Sabbath
Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy. Exodus 20:
What is the universal Sabbath?
Embracing the Universal Sabbath: A Call to Unity and Reflection
In a world filled with hustle and bustle, there’s a timeless tradition that invites us all to pause, reflect, and unite. The Sabbath, known as “Shabbat” in Hebrew, carries a profound message of unity and reflection that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. This article delves into the significance of the Sabbath, as seen through the lens of the late Rabbi Yoel Shwartz, Z”L, and an initiative called the Seventy Nations Jerusalem.
A Universal Message
According to Rabbi Yoel Shwartz, the commandment to “Remember” the Sabbath, found in the book of Deuteronomy, extends beyond any specific group or faith. It is a universal call to observe and honor a day of rest and reflection. Unlike other commandments that are specific to certain religious groups, the Sabbath’s message resonates with people from all walks of life.
A Day of Creation and Reflection
The Sabbath, marking the culmination of the seven days of creation, holds a unique place in the hearts of those who observe it. It’s a day to step away from the relentless pace of modern life and embrace the joy of coming together with loved ones. Every Friday, as the Hebrew calendar transitions from day six to day seven, families gather for a special dinner, filled with gratitude and prayers.
Investing in Relationships
Beyond its religious significance, the Sabbath offers an opportunity to invest in our most cherished relationships. It’s a day when we truly listen to one another, share our experiences, and express profound love. This is a source of blessings that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, touching every aspect of life, from business success to family harmony and good health.
The Seventy Nations Jerusalem Initiative
In an effort to promote unity and reflection, the Seventy Nations Jerusalem initiative extends an open invitation to people of all backgrounds. This initiative encourages individuals from around the world to light two Sabbath candles, in accordance with the mandate from the Ten Commandments. The goal is to unite humanity in the celebration of a day of rest and reflection, transcending individual faiths and embracing a shared moment of peace and connection.
A Day of Communion with Creation
While Jewish traditions have their specific customs related to the Sabbath, the Universal Sabbath serves a broader purpose. It’s a day to rejuvenate one’s spirit, to step back from the relentless pace of daily life, and to connect with the Divine. This is the day when the Creator of the Universe, in His wisdom, completed His work and rested to commune with His creation.
In conclusion, the Sabbath, with its universal message of rest, reflection, and unity, offers a precious opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together. Whether lighting two candles on a Friday evening or simply taking a moment to pause and reflect, embracing the universal spirit of the Sabbath can bring a sense of peace and unity to our increasingly busy lives. It is a tradition that reminds us all of the importance of connecting with one another and with the divine.
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The Seventy Nations
In the tranquil embrace of Shabbat’s sacred night, families across the Jewish world gather for a feast that transcends mere sustenance. This is no ordinary dinner; it’s a symphony of traditions and symbolism that beckons the divine. Imagine a table adorned with a tapestry of flavors: the warm embrace of freshly baked bread, the mystical allure of fish reminiscent of Jonah’s epic journey, succulent meat evoking the fragrant offerings from the Temple, and wine, the elixir that traces back to the very earth God created. These elements aren’t just food; they are gateways to a spiritual realm, a foretelling of a feast awaiting the righteous.
As the Sabbath candles flicker, a glass of wine emerges, glistening with the promise of a celestial connection. The blessing, spoken with reverence, sanctifies the vine as a creation of the Almighty, an elixir of joy and contemplation. The collective “Amen” resonates like a harmonious chorus of souls, affirming this sacred connection.
But the Shabbat experience is incomplete without gratitude. As the meal concludes, hearts open in unison to thank the Creator, the King of the Universe. They acknowledge His boundless grace, mercy, and compassion, recognizing that He sustains every creature with His goodness. The ancient words echo with timeless wisdom, a reminder of God’s eternal benevolence.
The commandment to remember the Sabbath, etched into the stone tablets on Mount Sinai, extends its embrace to all nations. It’s not just a day of rest but a cosmic remembrance of Creation itself. The laws of nature, birthed during that inaugural Sabbath, continue to breathe life into the world. The Jewish people, entrusted with its sanctity, faithfully uphold its traditions, embodying their unwavering faith in God.
In an age when peace seems elusive, the name of God, “Shalom,” resonates more profoundly than ever. Shabbat emerges as a beacon of hope, a day that restores harmony to a fractured world. And so, the traditional Sabbath greeting, “Shabbat Shalom,” is a profound wish for peace that bridges hearts and transcends borders.
And on the horizon, the Jerusalem Unity Center stands as a symbol of inclusivity and learning. It is a place where the wisdom of these ancient traditions, these protocols, will be shared with open arms, inviting people from every corner of the globe to partake in a journey of spiritual discovery. Together, they prepare for the dawn of a new era, a Third Temple, and a House of Prayer for All Nations. In the spirit of unity, it is a call to all: “See you soon, this year in Jerusalem!”
