On my blog I mentioned that, as an observant Jew, unlike on the Sabbath and most holidays, I could blog on Purim. Jaymaster was trying to figure what I meant by that, and I realized that really virtually no one understands what it is we Jews are not supposed to do on the Sabbath. So I linked here in the comments, and then it occurred to me that perhaps a few more no ones could be eliminated by mentioning this topic to Dean’s somewhat (orders of magnitude) larger audience.
I also think a lot of you guys will find it interesting, and perhaps along the way some confusion will be cleared up. As the Wikipedia article explains, the sort of “labor” or “work” that is prohibited on the Sabbath and the biblically-ordained festivals (i.e., the ones besides Chanuka and Purim) has very little to do with our concept of “going to work” or even making money. It has to do with creating things — sometimes very small things, such as a spark of fire or a stitch of sewing — in the natural world. The idea is that, just as God rested on the Sabbath and ceased creating, so, too, do the Jews.
The psychic (i.e., spiritual) benefits of Sabbath observance for most people can hardly be underestimated. If only it means once a week you’re not blogging… or, God help us!, Twittering!
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With all the intricate and interwoven minutiae of what you can and cannot do on Shabat, I get the idea sometimes that Judaism was put together by members of the German General Staff and not by the ancient Hebrews.
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI
Wow, that was interesting.
The “writing two or more letters†thing covers blogging pretty clearly, I’d say.
Thanks!
Arnold, it’s not as hard as all that to learn the rules, as a practical matter, and to live them, once you know them, is generally speaking liberating, not oppressive.
Having lived with and without them, I can say that, and while I would not say it is impossible to appreciate the Sabbath without actually experiencing it the way I do — I think a good enough writer could in fact do it — it would not be easy.
Ron Coleman’s last blog post..Wrong fears
Most sources I’ve read and those I’ve talked to say that the traditional observance of the sabbath is something quite a lot of Jews look forward to and greatly enjoy. In this modern world especially, I can see why completely shutting out the world and concentrating only on self, family, neighbors, and God would be a greater day of rest than your average “lounge around on a Sunday” type of thing most people think of.
Yes, Dean, but the issue I actually blogged about — the cessation of creative work — while it is a more subtle aspect of that psychic peace you refer to, really turns out to make a big difference.
Ron Coleman’s last blog post..Wrong fears
Very interesting, I had no idea the rules were that comprehensive.
It might sound strange, but B&H Photo was my first introduction to this practice. They accept no orders (not even online orders) on the Jewish Sabbath or holy days. I’ve always admired their stance on that.
bcostin’s last blog post..Age and the Presidency
I have worked on several cases with a lawyer who observes very closely (and sometimes it seems like a lawyer is perfect for it.) He will still work on Saturday in the middle of trial, especially if we are out of town. He can’t take notes. I don’t think that he is allowed to contribute to the conversations. But boy, can he think. And there is plenty to do once the sun goes down after all that thinking.
The toughest part (that I have seen at least) is that almost every hotel now has electronic locks on the door. Between that and the elevators, it takes some, uh, lawyering. He’s made a point of knowing when the cleaning crews are going by (so that the doors are already open) and to follow the right people onto the elevators.
I’m also impressed by the social network that he has available to him. No matter where we are, from Cleveland to Mexico City (true examples) there is someone that he can go visit for the day who is already set up. And I’m sure he has hosted a few visitors in his hometown too.
Phelps’s last blog post..Rules of Engagement
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