Shabbat/Sabbath
Shabbat is more than a day of rest; it is a sacred rhythm woven into creation itself. From the beginning, God set apart the seventh day as a time to cease from labor, to remember the Creator, and to delight in what He has made. In a world driven by productivity and constant motion, Shabbat invites us to step out of striving and into trust. By setting aside one day each week, we acknowledge that our worth is not measured by what we produce, but by who we are before God. Shabbat creates space for worship, reflection, study, and unhurried time with family and community. It teaches us to number our days with wisdom and to receive rest not as a reward, but as a gift.
Keeping the Sabbath changed our lives. It is the fourth commandment, associated with the Hebrew letter Dalet, which represents a door. We have come to see Shabbat very much like that—a doorway many have chosen to step through.
Shabbat is a time of rest, a true blessing, especially in a busy world where stopping feels harder than ever. Friday nights have become something we really cherish. We pause, light the candles, and share a special meal together.
One day, as I was reflecting on Shabbat, it struck me that it’s almost like a date night with our Creator. We wash, put on special clothes, and sit down to a meal set apart from the rest of the week. There is something deeply beautiful about that rhythm. What’s not to love?
A weekly day of rest and delight, Shabbat invites us to pause, renew our souls, and remember God’s creation and promises.
Books
🌱 From Sabbath to Sabbath:
Returning the Holy Sabbath to the Disciples of Jesus
D.Thomas Lancaster
From Sabbath to Sabbath is D. Thomas Lancaster’s heartfelt invitation for disciples of Jesus to rediscover the beauty, holiness, and rhythm of the biblical Sabbath. With depth and warmth, Lancaster explores the Sabbath as a gift woven into creation itself and restored through Messiah — not as a burden, but as a weekly encounter with God’s presence. This book gently challenges readers to rethink time, rest, and devotion, offering a path back to the ancient practice that shaped Jesus’ own life and ministry.
🌳 The Sabbath
Abraham Joshua Heschel
In The Sabbath, Abraham Joshua Heschel paints a deeply poetic vision of sacred rest, inviting readers to step into a cathedral built not of stone, but of time. Heschel reminds us that Sabbath is not simply a pause from work, but a sanctuary for the soul—a weekly meeting place with eternity. His writing is rich, stirring, and beautifully reflective, calling us to recover the holiness of time and to rediscover God’s presence in stillness, wonder, and delight.
🌿 Your Sabbath Invitation
David Nekrutman
In Your Sabbath Invitation, David Nekrutman explores the beauty and spiritual depth of Shabbat as a gift from God to refresh, restore, and realign our lives. Through thoughtful insights and accessible teaching, he unpacks the meaning of the Sabbath and extends a gentle invitation to experience its peace, holiness, and life-giving rhythm in a deeper way.
🌱 Shabbat Revolution:
A Practical Guide to Weekly Renewal
Elie Mischel
What happens when God tells a Jewish Rabbi to write a book… for Christians?
That’s exactly what happened to Rabbi Elie Mischel. In the middle of his service, God put a message on his heart—not just for his own people, but for believers all over the world. The result was The Shabbat Revolution, a book calling Christians back to the beauty and power of the Sabbath.
🌿 Shabbat Shalom:
Insights on the Weekly Torah Portion From the Heart of Biblical Israel
Sondra Oster Baras
Shabbat Shalom brings the weekly Torah portions to life through the eyes of Sondra Oster Baras, a passionate teacher rooted deeply in the biblical heartland of Israel. With warmth, clarity, and heartfelt devotion, she shares insights that connect ancient Scripture to modern faith, offering readers a weekly taste of wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual grounding. Each reflection opens a window into the land, people, and covenant story of Israel—inviting you to greet every Shabbat with renewed understanding and joy.
🌳 The Shabbat Effect:
Jewish Wisdom for Growth and Transformation
Alan Morinis
The Shabbat Effect explores how the ancient wisdom of Shabbat can bring balance, healing, and spiritual renewal into modern life. Alan Morinis draws from Jewish practice and Mussar teachings to show how setting aside sacred time each week transforms not only our schedules but our inner world. Gentle, practical, and deeply reflective, this book invites readers to rediscover rest as a powerful tool for growth and personal transformation.
“Shabbat is the moment we leave the world of doing and enter the world of being. ” — Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Articles
“More than Israel has kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept Israel.”— A Jewish Proverb
Youtube Videos
🌿 Rest As the Purpose of Work?
Did God Really Need To Rest? Shabbat's Role In Judaism
🌱 How to Keep the Sabbath - David Wilber
When Christians learn that the Sabbath is still relevant for today, naturally what follows are many questions: how do we keep the Sabbath? What should we do and not do on this day? This video gives a list of ways that you and your family can incorporate the Sabbath into your lives.
🌿 The Shabbat Explained:
Is It Really 'Rest' With All the Rules? (Ft. Rabbi Shalom Patiel)
Why do Jewish people rest on Shabbat? Is Shabbat just about relaxation or is there more to it? Rabbi Shalom Patiel explains
🌱 Who changed The Sabbath Day to Sunday:
Unveiling the Truth with Charlie Kirk
Discover the story behind the shift from the biblical Sabbath to Sunday observance in this thoughtful discussion with Charlie Kirk. Explore why the change happened, the meaning of God’s original Sabbath, and why setting apart sacred time remains a powerful expression of faith today.
🌱 How To Celebrate Sabbath For Christians,
Part 1
God told us to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But how do we as believers live that out in real life? Get ready—we’re about to uncover what the Sabbath is really all about—step by step for YOUR family!
🌱 Paul Wilbur. Shabbat in Your Home
Step into the Wilbur family home and experience Shabbat through music, worship, and sacred rest. Shabbat in Your Home warmly invites you to light the candles, bless the table, and enter a rhythm of peace that has shaped generations—restful, meaningful, and deeply personal.
🌱 How To Celebrate Sabbath For Christians,
Part 2
The Sabbath wasn’t just meant to be remembered—it was meant to be experienced. In Part 2 of this powerful series, the journey continues as we step deeper into the beauty of living out Shabbat in our homes and hearts.