Shabbat is the special time of week when we have the opportunity to refresh. I don't mean we sleep in, although we do, but instead I mean that we have the opportunity to refresh ourselves spiritually. I would like to offer four reasons as to why you should take some time to make Shabbat special.
1. Learn or do something new or different
One can make Shabbat special by doing prayers, rituals (like lighting candles), or learning something new about the day. By doing this, Shabbat is sanctified by the recollection of what this day means. Shabbat was the day God rested after the creation of the universe and we are taking the time to recognize how amazing that creation truly is.
2. Have a dinner with good friends
Friday nights are great nights to sit down with a couple of good friends and have a nice dinner. By sitting down, having a nice dinner, and talking to people we love, we make this time special because we are enjoying ourselves. On Shabbat, we are to forget the stresses and worries of the week and give ourselves that fantastic chance to just have a good time.
3. Cleaning or Organizing
Having a clean home, or at least one that is put together creates a strong feeling of completion and achievement. Ending the week feeling accomplished will set the tone for your weekend and your Shabbat. In addition, welcoming in Shabbat, our spiritual companion, to a clean home can be a great way to make Shabbat special.
4. Doing Nothing
A very difficult thing to do, but one of the best, is to do nothing at all. I don't mean just hanging out, but the purposeful and concentrated time of doing nothing. Just sitting and existing, appreciating what we have as Jews and as just people.
I struggle to make my Shabbat as special and as spiritual as I imagine it could be, but I try each week to do something new, or better to achieve that goal. I offer you all these suggestions.
What do you do to make Shabbat Special? Why should we make Shabbat special other than just relaxing?
Jeremy Markiz
