Teaching Team
Sabbath Campaign
In the past I have written two blogs on articles by Rabbi Shmuely Boteach. He is an Orthodox Rabbi who seems to have a unique perspective on spreading Torah values to a degrading American culture. In the latest article I read by him he actually advocates a Shabbat campaign that would spread Shabbat observance across America. He writes:
“The next great Jewish campaign, and the one that would create the most Jewish pride, should be the universalization of the Jewish Sabbath. Friday night must be turned into a national family night wherein families are encouraged to light candles, invite guests, and refrain from the use of all electronic distractions.â€
It is amazing to me because I agree with him in that you can take Shabbat observance, teach it to the un-initiated, and it could have an immediate impact on family life across the country. It is even more amazing that this recommendation is coming from an Orthodox Rabbi, although most certainly he would advise a difference in practical observance between Jews and Gentiles.
Here is the article in full. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Visitor Feedback:
Great article. I read through all the "talk back" comments listed, and was appalled by the rather nasty comments in most of the posts. Boteach was ridiculed, both for suggesting that Sabbath might contain some answers for society, and for suggesting that gentiles observe it. I find both attitudes disturbing.
I am fully aware of the history of gentile persecution of Jews, but the contemptuous attitude toward gentiles expressed by many of those posting was truly awful. I got the distinct impression that gentiles are considered unworthy of Torah.
I wonder which is the harder nut to crack, the Christian contempt for Torah or the Jewish contempt for gentiles who want to keep Torah?
MJ
MJ Belko | January 2, 2008 9:03 AM
I read the atrical and I too agree. I had a beg influence on my life.
Shalom and Blessings Mary
mary_C | January 2, 2008 9:14 AM
I first learned about shabbat on Friday, November 2 of this past year. I was invited to the home of a trusted sister in Christ that was thinking about "leaving the church." I went in completely oblivious to the fact that my ENTIRE belief system was about to be challenged and changed. I heard this women speak about Torah and YHVH and Yeshua and the old testament and I was blown away by the undeniable witness my whole being bared to that which I was hearing. I returned on the following Saturday to sit in a small group and study the word for seven straight hours. It's been two short months now and I JUST realized yesterday that my sisters and I have talked for years about trying to have a "family night" and never seemed to be able to pull it off for any length of time. I know now that G-d had the ultimate family night built into His instruction for me. The instruction that I was almost robbed of, had it not been for a simple shabbat dinner.
Roni Macias | January 2, 2008 11:02 AM
The Shabbat from the Bible is what drew me out of churchianity into my journey toward Messianic worship over ten years ago. I don't think it is a mistake that the righteousness defined in Genesis from the beginning of shabbat and all the scriptures is something we can let the world or Church ignore. What an ignition point for repentance and revival. What beautiful paradox to have our Jewish brothers help melt down the facades and barriers that exist from faith in the same G-d.
brian | January 5, 2008 12:05 PM
I also just read Rabbi's article, and whole-heartedly agree with his assessment. What's iron is that there is a group called Christian Churches Together that is meeting this coming week in Washington DC to discuss a national Sunday law, substituting Sunday worship and family day in place of the TRUE family day instituted at the creation of our world. I am all for returning to the Bible, The Torah and the instruction and teaching of Yeshua for a complete day of rest and family and worship - however only as taught by Torah. I am new to messianic studies - less than a year. I have found that I hjave learned so much already and that I know not near enough!
Cindi | January 6, 2008 7:11 PM
i haven't read the entire article yet because i can't get past the 'Jewish pride' comment as a reason to spread Sabbath observance. I am a Christian with great love for Israel and Messianic believers. Gradually over the years i have been drawn/called into the Sabbath celebration simply because it is a command of God and to 'remember the Sabbath..to keep it Holy' is not an act of pride..but of obedience and worship. Now, i will read the rest of the article:):):)..Shalom and blessings...joanne
joanne | January 9, 2008 7:46 PM