Exploring Genesis: This week’s Torah reading
And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because on it God ceased from all the work of creation…
— Genesis 2:3 (JPS translation)
This is the first time we see the word “holy” in the Torah. In the ancient world, people, animals, and buildings were seen as holy. God’s designating a day to be holy was revolutionary. It was the first time that time was holy (sanctified).
The Shabbat is not merely a day to cease from work. It is a day to devote to God and to the spiritual. The Talmud says that on Shabbat a Jew receives a neshama yeteirah—an additional soul.
I’ve encountered many Jews who do not find great spirituality in their religion. I hope that will change for them. Often they’ve yet to experience the beauty of Shabbat, surrounded by family and/or friends as candles are lit in an elevated and warm atmosphere followed by a sumptuous meal served alongside engaging discussions. One need only ask those who make it a weekly priority to appreciate that Shabbat is one of the greatest gifts from God to the Jewish people.
— Rabbi David Woznica