How might you observe Shabbat in a
meaningful way?
Shabbat is
supposed to be a day to be present with ourselves and our family. As my family begins to incorporate Shabbat
more into our weekly routine, I would like create traditions that will make
this holiday unique, fun and memorable for us all. One way that I would like to separate this
particular day from all other days of the week is by creating a dining
experience for my family that is different from the rest of the week. It would include decorating the table with
festive Shabbat candlesticks, a beautiful tablecloth, and a meal complete with
homemade challah. It would also include
each person seated at the table to share something they are thankful for with
everyone else.
Another tradition
that I would like to incorporate into our weekly celebration would be the idea
of “thinning”. “Thinning” is the concept
of letting one thing go that you do not need.
It could be an unread book, an old appliance, clothing, toys, or a
project that feels like a responsibility but isn’t bringing any joy to
anyone. I feel like this ritual ties in
nicely with my Rosh Hashanah resolutions.
Once again, I would be able to purge those unnecessary items from my
life so I could focus on things that matter more. Also, I feel this observance would encourage
our kids to give something that they do not need to someone else who may need
it more than them.
Do you pray?
What motivates you? What setting
works? What words emerge?
Do I
pray? Yes. But it isn’t the stereotypical way you were
taught to pray as a child -- on your knees, hands clasped together, and head
bowed down. I am more apt to pray at
various times throughout the week when I finally have a couple of moments to
myself, first thing in the morning or right before I go to sleep. Sometimes, I confess, I have even found time
to pray in the car on my way to or back from work. I am also
an erratic prayer. I may not pray for a
couple weeks at time or I may pray daily depending on what I feel I need to
express or gain at that moment.
Sometimes I ask for guidance on a problem or concern I have. Other times I express gratitude and thanks
for my blessed life. At times, my
prayers are silent and self-internalized.
And yet, I have also been known to verbalize my prayer out loud. I am not sure that my praying style is conventional,
but it works for me.
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