Because of my religion in the home class, I have the opportunity to ponder and seek to better understand why those of other faiths do things and by extension to evaluate what I do and why.
In speaking of sabbath observance, Orthodox Jews are truly incredible. The things they do and don't do in order to preserve the sabbath. Author Greenberg says 'it is a commitment of our own choosing, one that we have lovingly made; it is the manner in which we identify ourselves" (39). She says, "there is a great deal of planning and preparation that goes into creating an island of time..."(33) And further expounds that "there are two ways to prepare oneself--spiritually and physically--the two are intertwined" (46). As a general rule, people do not phone the home of an orthodox Jew on Shabbat--the sabbath (40). "All cooking for Shabbat must be completed before sundown [the day prior]" (43). There are so many other constraints relative to light kindling and usage, travel, work etc. Those who follow all these things exhibit great devotion, which I have not really taken the time to understand until now--and many are still very foreign to me.
Wow. How do I prepare for the sabbath? I do my grocery shopping and clean my house Saturday, I don't pursue educational or vocational things on the sabbath. I don't cause anyone to work. I don't ski or recreate on Sunday. I attempt to not travel heavily on Sunday. I read the assigned readings for Sunday School & Relief Society, I have hymns playing in our home Sunday morning, and like to make breakfast or hot rolls or something. The notion of cutting out noise--the phone--and other chaos is welcomed; although, I find Sunday a wonderful to dy to talk to people from my mission or that I have had the opportunity to share the gospel with. I like to reflect and write in my journal, blog, or just be outside and meditate.
One thing that has always been hard for me to understand is, what I have perceived, an outgrowth of LDS culture, is the huge Sunday meal, lots of guests, hours preparing, many dishes etc. Maybe I am biased after serving on ward council for years and having meetings start as early as 6:30am, with a total of 9 hours of meetings some Sundays. Not to mention travel time to and from church when in Florida. Sundays can be anything but restful. I am trying t strike the balance from the mission field--where Sundy was our greatest day to reach families--they are home and together--a great day to do the Lord's work--and regenerating my spirit and body for the up-coming week. I love the idea of entertaining and having a huge dinner Saturday night--friends, missionaries, good food, and then something that slow cooks itself while at church?
How do you observe the sabbath? Rituals? Traditions? Things you've found effective or less effective?
Easter Stories of Jesus Printable
1 month ago
1 comments:
this entry reminds me of the first time you came to see me in friday clinic. I was amazed by your dedication to give up water skiing for the sabbath. I miss you ash. I love your blog. I read it often for inspiration :)
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