Shabbat Shalom

[Ellen Forradalom]

Anyone else here observe Shabbat?

A few weeks ago, at my kindergartener's instigation, we started to observe Shabbat. (He goes to Jewish day school where they do a Shabbat on Friday afternoon.) It's really been pleasant. I pick up a challah, we make a nice meal, light the candles, bless the candles, bless the kid, bless the wine, bless the bread, sit down and eat and cashier the bottle of wine. It seems to chill out the whole family. If it's been a rough week we add a toast, "We made it to Friday without killing each other."

[stellanoir]

1. I've been a student of mysticism

most of my life. I'd witnessed all sorts of ceremonies over the years. . .Tibetan, Hindu, Christian, Pagan, New Age, etc.

There were none so transcendantly wondrous as the Shabbat ceremonies I attended in L.A. and upstate N.Y. in the late '80's.

Great food, great wine, great conversation, great meditation, great sex. No business talk or financial considerations at all.

Was truly inspiring and restorative.

Shalom and blessings to your family. Especially to your kindergardener.

Folks who take one day of rest out of seven generally don't have heart attacks or require anti depressants.

It's my favorite and most missed ritual ever.

[Sgent]

2. Good Shabbos

Its unfortunately a little hard to observe without a family, but I still light candles and go to shul on friday evenings.

Of course, I am not shomer shabbot, so I do drive, etc. I happen to think true observance of shabbos is one of the great blessings of Judaism.