FFOZ Blogs : Shabbat and Fireworks

FFOZ Blogs

Keep in touch with what is happening
behind the scenes at First Fruits of Zion.

Teaching Team

Shabbat and Fireworks

By Brian Reed | Comments (4) | Posted on July 2, 2008

For many the fourth of July is a time of family gatherings and celebration often including the enjoyment of fireworks. Nontheless, the evening of the 4th of July occurs on Erev Shabbat this year (Friday night). I was invited to a family's home for this Shabbat. The neighbors across the street will be observing their 4th of July extravaganza with fireworks being the same night as we welcome in the Sabbath. Thus, I was curious as to the permissability of viewing these fireworks on Friday night. Below are the results I came across in my Torah studies.

First, as seen by the precedence set by the Torah, the Shabbat takes priority over all mundane activities. Therefore we should be in our homes or congregations welcoming in the Sabbath instead of welcoming in the 4th. Also, Shabbat festivities should not be minimized or hurried so as to view a fireworks display from one's front lawn or the like (see Isaiah 58:13-14). However, part of Shabbat is spending time with one's family. Therefore, if one has completely welcomed in the Shabbat in a manner befitting the holy day and one is able to observe fireworks from a distance then he permitted to watch the spectacle. Yet, in light of Exodus 35:3, "You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day," one is forbidden to participate by lighting, setting the fireworks up, or the like. Watching the colorful array is, however, perfectly permissible.

In all, one should not allow the cutoms of the 4th of July to override the Sabbath day, a day which God desires to come and meet with us.

Sometimes the particulars of Sabbath observance may seem overwhelming in nature. To help people in this area First Fruits of Zion has developed a quaint reference card titled "Guarding Shabbat" that explains the various permissible and forbidden activities and the like relating to Sabbath observance. You may order this card here.

About the Author: Brian Reed is a staff writer and researcher specializing in Messianic apologetics.

Visitor Comments

Thanks, Brian, for the reminder about the potential conflict in observing Shabbat and the 4th of July. Our family has opted to welcome in Shabbat with our traditional meal and then catch the local fireworks display that evening. Our children were a little disappointed when we shared with them that we wouldn't be setting off fireworks on the Fourth, but once we explained our reasons, they were very supportive. It always amazes me how quickly children eagerly submit to the boundaries of Torah while most adults (myself included) reason, debate, explain and excuse away our obligation to obey. May I become more like these little ones and run with heartfelt desire to do the work of His Kingdom!

Posted by: Sarah Croswell | July 2, 2008 5:47 PM

Interesting dilemma...

Unless, of course, you reckon the days from twilight to twilight. In which case, the 4th of July could begin tonight, Thursday, and subsequently not at all conflict with Shabbat. Then your kids could "kindle fire"works their hearts' content.

Posted by: Crispin | July 3, 2008 1:53 PM

Food for thought: How useful is the "fire" "kindled" in a fireworks display? Can you cook with it? Can you warm yourself by it (assuming wildfires aren't kindled inadvertently)? Are you lighting your way with it? (At $10,000 to $100,000 per half-hour for a municipal display, some other form of illumination may be more responsible.) Do we take advantage of the nonessential work of our "neighbors" as long as they do that servile work outside our "gates"? Isn't that how the hypocrisy of the "Shabbas goy" originated?

I don't go out of my way to view fireworks, because such displays have little to do with remembering the sacrifice and wisdom behind the original Fourth of July. Cutting short an appointment with God to view fireworks is much worse than cutting short an anniversary meal with your wife for a Memorial Day parade or such. Rather, I like the "American seder" that some have developed to help teach children about the founding of the U.S.

Posted by: Jeff Quackenbush | July 6, 2008 3:43 AM

My family welcomed in the Sabbath as usual. Since I wasn't feeling well, my father took my son to the city's display at the park. Then on Saturday night, after Havdalah, our family set off our own fireworks at home.

Posted by: Rhonda | July 6, 2008 6:58 PM

Three new 5" x 7" pocket guides: Guidelines for keeping Shabbat, Prayers for opening Shabbat and for closing Shabbat at havdalah.

FFOZ Blogs

Teaching Team

Shabbat and Fireworks

Visitor Comments

Post your comments...

Name

Email Address

Comments

Search in blogs...

Feeds

Browse Entries

Select a Blog

Most Recent Entries

Select a Previous Month