The Torah tells us, "Ye shall keep the Sabbath, for it is holy unto you" (Exodus 31:14). But what does that "keeping" actually look like? Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating early medieval text that delves into Biblical narratives and law, offers some insight.
It’s not just about refraining from work, though that’s certainly a big part of it. According to this text, keeping the Sabbath means not kindling fire, not carrying things beyond the Techum – that's the Sabbath limit – not even a single foot! And it means refraining from carrying things that aren’t food for you or your animals. Pretty specific, right? This is the level of detail that shows the deep reverence involved. "This is the keeping of the Sabbath," the text emphasizes, "as it is said, 'Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath' (Exodus 31:16)."
But why all this careful observance? What's the point?
The answer, according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, lies in the very foundation of creation. The text quotes, "It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever" (Exodus 31:17). And then, it elaborates on what God Himself says: "This (Sabbath) have I given to Israel as a sign between Me and them; for in the six days of creation I fashioned all the world, and on the Sabbath I rested..."
Think about that for a moment. God, the ultimate creator, rested.
So, the Sabbath isn't just a day of rest from work. It's a day that mirrors God's own act of completion and contentment. It's a reminder of the Divine act of creation itself.
And that's why, Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer continues, God gave Israel six days for work and the Sabbath, a day of blessing and sanctification, for both God and the people of Israel. "Therefore it is said, 'Between me and the children of Israel it is a sign for ever' (ibid.)."
The Sabbath, then, is a constant, weekly reminder of our connection to the Divine. It’s a sign, a symbol, an everlasting covenant. It's a chance to step back from the hustle and bustle of the world and reconnect with something deeper, something more profound. It’s a chance to remember that we, too, can find rest and completion, just as God did after creating the world.
Isn't that a powerful thought? What does keeping the Sabbath mean to you?