In fact, the Sabbath isn't just a terrestrial observance; it's a celestial one, too.
Imagine this: right after creating the Sabbath, God gathers all the angels – the angels of the presence and the angels of sanctification – and declares, "We shall keep the Sabbath together in heaven and on earth." (Tree of Souls, Schwartz). He's essentially setting the stage for a universal day of rest, a synchronized moment of peace observed by mortals and immortals alike.
But it doesn't stop there. God goes on to say, "Know that I shall separate a people from among all the nations for Myself, and they will also keep the Sabbath...They will be My people and I will be their God." He’s talking about us! And what a privilege to be included in this cosmic observance.
Genesis Rabbah 11:5 fills in some of the details about how God chose the people of Jacob.
The Book of Jubilees goes even further, suggesting that God has been observing the Sabbath ever since that first seventh day of Creation (Jubilees 2:18-20). So, every single week, God takes a break? It’s an amazing thought!
What's so powerful about this idea? Well, it really emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath. It's not just some arbitrary rule; it's a fundamental rhythm of the universe, something so significant that even God participates. As documented in Tree of Souls (Schwartz), this idea underscores the importance of keeping the Sabbath along with God, who observes it in heaven.
And it's not just a solo act for God either. He commands the angels to join Him in the Sabbath observance, creating a heavenly congregation parallel to our own earthly one. Think about that: while we're lighting candles and saying blessings down here, there's a similar scene playing out in the heavens.
It's all about creating a connection, a shared experience between the divine and the human. And just like we find God putting on tallit (prayer shawl) and tefillin (phylacteries) and studying Torah (as we explored in other stories), this myth shows us how God embodies Jewish ritual.
So, the next time you're observing the Sabbath, remember that you're not alone. You're joining a tradition that spans both heaven and earth, connecting you to something far bigger than yourself – a cosmic rhythm of rest and renewal, shared with God and all the angels. What a beautiful thought, right?