Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is one of the most ancient and significant rituals in Judaism, observed from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. Before phones, emails, and notifications even existed, Shabbat has offered a powerful framework for relaxation, reflection, and recharging in modern life.
As we charge full steam ahead into 2025, maybe it’s time to borrow a page from our ancestors and build a weekly pause into our lives.
Even back in 1922, people were feeling the tug of modern life. In the Friday, January 13, 1922, issue of The Jewish Chronicle—front page news— Jewish people are seen out and about on Fridays instead of preparing for this important ritual. Turns out, this struggle to balance tradition and our busy lives isn’t anything new—but the beauty of Shabbat is that it’s always been there, offering us a chance to hit reset. Fast forward to today, and the need to unplug is bigger than ever. Whether it’s lighting candles, sharing a meal, or just shutting off your phone, Shabbat gives you permission to slow down and focus on what really matters. By exploring its history and traditions, we can see why Shabbat’s principles offer solace, stability, and renewal when life feels unpredictable.
Shabbat is about setting boundaries —hard stops on work, both physical and mental.
During the Second Temple period (516 BCE – 70 CE) and beyond, rabbinic authorities elaborated on Shabbat’s laws, defining what exactly constitutes “work,” as well as how to observe the day. These laws were designed to create an atmosphere of peace and reflection, encouraging Jews to step back from their daily struggles. Shabbat invites us to pause and disconnect from the world’s demands, offering a sacred space where worries can be set aside. The act of unplugging—whether from work, news, or technology—creates a mental and emotional reset that is vital, especially during turbulent times.
How? Creating a weekly practice of resetting (like Shabbat) provides us with a sense of calm and stability. No matter how stressed or anxious you feel, no matter the hate you see online, there is always one day a week when you can shut off all that noise. And throughout history, Shabbat has served as a source of identity and resilience for Jewish communities. From the Babylonian exile to the Holocaust, the ritual of Shabbat has provided spiritual sustenance and a sense of continuity in the face of upheaval.
You don’t need to be religious or follow all traditional practices to benefit from the power of Shabbat. Here are some simple ways to bring this ancient ritual into your life and create space for what really matters:
- Set a Time for Rest: Dedicate an hour, evening, or day each week to rest, unplugging from work and screens. For children growing up in the digital age, this is especially healthy.
- Light Candles: Create a moment of peace by lighting candles and setting an intention for rest and reflection.
- Share a Meal: Cook or share a special meal with loved ones, prioritizing connection and gratitude.
- Reflect and Recharge: Spend time journaling, meditating, or walking in nature to reflect on the past week and prepare for the next.
- Limit Distractions: Avoid work, news, or other stress-inducing activities, focusing instead on restorative practices.
Whether observed traditionally or adapted to personal needs, Shabbat’s essence lies in creating space to relax, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, others, and the things that give life depth and meaning. Its timeless wisdom reminds us that rest isn’t a luxury but a necessity for a balanced, fulfilling life.
Shabbat Shalom!