Page 49 - Indulge October/November 2016

Sab th
provides yearned-for downtime
By Rabbi David Wilensky
Chick-fil-A, the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in
the United States, recently promoted a catchy initiative that has
actually been the catalyst for a significant increase in sales. Called and distractions of daily life on-hold, the Jewish people have
“The Cell Phone Coop,” Chick-fil-A encouraged families to place
their smartphones in little boxes for the duration of their Chick-
fil-A meal so that families could focus on each other without being
distracted by their phones.
Judaism has long known about the need for dedicated,
carved-out time for families to re-connect. G-d tells the Jewish
people, “For six days shall you work, and on the seventh day you
shall rest.” By turning inward, and putting the fast-paced hassles
When is Shabbat observed?
Shabbat is observed from a few
minutes before sunset on Friday
evening until the appearance of three
stars in the sky on Saturday night.
Shabbat is ushered in by lighting
candles and reciting a blessing.
Photo by Seli Levi Allen
found connection to family, self and G-d through the observance
of the Sabbath for nearly four millennia.
The secret behind the Sabbath is not simply found in desisting
from work. Great rabbis over the generations have taught of the
fundamental distinction between passive rest and active rest.
Passive rest is defined simply as not working. Although it is a
necessary pre-requisite to true rest, passive rest does not su ce.
Active rest, which the Sabbath encourages, consists of desisting
from work as well as actively connecting to family.
As such, the Friday night Sabbath mood is set with the
lighting of the Sabbath candles, cell phones are put away, the
kiddush (blessing over the wine) is recited together with the
blessing over the Challah (Sabbath bread), songs are sung,
games are played. Our children grow up with the deep-seated
knowledge that family time takes precedence over any other
engagement and memories are created that will accompany
them throughout their lives.
The author is the rabbi of Congregation Sons of Israel, an
Orthodox synagogue in Allentown.
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