Remember the day of Shabbat to sanctify it.
Shabbat is often seen as the most restrictive practice in Judaism—39 categories of prohibitions: no cars, no phones, no cooking, no electricity, and more. Yet for those who keep it, Shabbat is experienced as a day of freedom.
This paradox is clearly stated in the second version of the Ten Commandments, “Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God freed you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore, the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” Remember freedom through restriction. How can we understand the Shabbat Paradox?
The key lies in choice. If you feel forced not to act, to refrain from work, it will feel confining. If you were sent to your room as a child, you know what this feels like. But if you consciously choose not to work, to step back—understanding the commandment as guidance rather than obligation—then it becomes liberating. It’s discovering the strength of character to choose not to go to the party, but rather stay at home with the family for some alone time. Shabbat is the freedom to be: to rise above the needs of the physical world and the constant need to produce. That, in turn, changes the six days of labor, as a choice to work, into something new.
Chanukkah begins tonight. It can easily be thought of as in the category of Shabbat when we understand the Ten Commandments as the categories for all the Mitzvot. The best fuel to use is olive oil, just like was used in the Temple. Just like a flame defies gravity, oil rises above water. The Hellenists were the most educated people in the world, but they could not penetrate something the Jews could – the ability to rise above the world, to see oneself as free from it. When you can do that, then you can really illuminate the world with something new. Chanukkah – they rested (chanu) on the 25th (kkah) of Kislev.
As you light your Chanukkah candles this week, take the time to watch the flames rise as they illuminate and find yourself in those flames.
Set your intention for the day by reciting The Aseret Affirmation: Ten for Ten first thing in the morning.
Wishing you safety and strength,
Nitzan Bergman