The kedushat ha-yom (“the sanctity of the day”), is repeated in each of the Amidah prayers recited on Shabbat – at Ma’ariv (evening service), at Shaharit (morning service), at the additional Musaf service, and at Minhah on Shabbat afternoon. In it, worshippers thank God for the gift of Shabbat and say: “Grant that we inherit Your holy gift of Shabbat forever, so that Your people Israel who sanctify Your name will always find rest on this day. Praised are You, Adonai, who sanctifies Shabbat.”
Shabbat for me had been a day of rest – not only physical rest, but mental rest. It was a day that I could concentrate on something other than my life. It was a day to go to synagogue and be surrounded by Shomrei friends and focus on the happenings of Shabbat. By the end of the day, I did feel rested and ready to begin a new week.
As the President of Shomrei, Shabbat has become a workday for me. Actually, I am not the only one. The Rabbi is working. The Service Leaders are working. The Kiddush Preparers are working. The JLC Teachers are working. There are a dozen people who work on Shabbat at Shomrei so that others have a fulfilling and peaceful Shabbat experience.
Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it Holy.
Help those working on Shabbat to keep the day Holy. Respect that it is also their Holy Day and that they are compromising their Shabbat for you. Keep the day positive by saying thank you. Before having a discussion about a problem or complaint that may have happened on another day, or something that day that may have not achieved your expectation, ask yourself if this is a proper Shabbat discussion.
I realize that for many of you, the only time you see me is on Shabbat, so you avail yourself of the opportunity to discuss Shomrei matters. Please continue. I ask just a simple consideration: say Shabbat Shalom (or hello) and ask if I have a few minutes to talk. A greeting makes me feel welcome just like I try to make you feel welcome in the house we both share.
- What are you doing for Shabbat? - Thu, Feb 15, 2024
- MESH Report January 23, 2024 - Thu, Jan 25, 2024
- MESH Report October 24 2023 - Thu, Oct 26, 2023
Point well taken. We often forget or overlook the efforts of those whose efforts go into making our Shomrei Shabbat experience. Thank you!
Bravo and thank you for the reminder!
I can see pressure building up in you; interfering with your enjoying a peaceful Shabbat. Without knowing details; nor wanting to know, people should be more sensitive to others. Stop being boors and practice good manners. Call, text, or e-mail you at the end of Shabbat!