Submitted by admin on Fri, 23/10/2009 - 16:45

Shabbat, Why Bother? (PDF and Podcast)

Thanks for visiting our "Shabbat: Why Bother?" page!

This talk and study session will help you unlock the amazing and wonderful blessings of God's Shabbat, and will start you on a wonderful journey of new discoveries in His Word.

The study (with full audio MP3 and notes downloadable below) centres around the desperate need for the People of God, Jew and Gentile alike, to rediscover the Shabbat (Sabbath) - God's ordained day of rest.

Introduction

Challah, sweet bread for a sweet Shabbat The session looks at the Biblical background to the Shabbat, and importantly that this is NOT simply a Jewish festival. No, indeed, the Shabbat principle existed in the Creation Epic of Genesis and was given to the whole of creation, not just one people.

It notes the importance of keeping the Fourth Commandment, keeping the Sabbath Day holy, and its ongoing benefits to communities and individuals today. We dispel many myths about how to keep the Shabbat, remembering that it was given for Man's blessing, and thus liberating us to enjoy what God has given for our benefit.

Shabbat has been preserved by the Jewish people, so it is understandable that we should spend some time looking at the traditions of the Jewish Shabbat. We also, however, look at how the Shabbat can be ejoyed and add huge value to the lives of people from all backgrounds and Christian traditions.

Session Contents

Biblical Background

The Shabbat Principle Existed In The Creation Epic (Genesis 2:2)
The Shabbat Principle Was Observed Before The Giving Of The Law At Sinai (Exodus 16:23)
At The Heart Of God’s Revelation Of Himself – Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:11)
Given to Israel, and given to the whole of creation!

The Sabbath - Saturday or Sunday?

The Council of Laodicea, 364 CE
CANON XXXVII
CANON XXXVIII
Augsburg Confession of Faith, 1530 (Lutheran)

Jewish Traditions

Why Shabbat candles?
Why do Jewish women light Shabbat candles on Friday night?
How many candles should be lit on Friday night?
How should Shabbat candles be lit?
Why circle your hands over the flames?
The Kiddush blessing
The wine
Challah, salt and challah cover
Why two loaves of challah?
Why salt?
Why a challah cover?
Other blessings
Blessing the children
The Aaronic blessing

Shabbat Times

Click here to se this week's Shabbat times, Torah and Haftarah portions for several cities across the world including London, Jerusalem, Tiberias, Paris and New York.