Alef: The NEXT Conversation

18: Friday Night Lights

This week we introduce Issue #18: Friday Night Lights

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It is more than just a mere coincidence that Alef’s 18th issue highlights the celebration of Shabbat. In Judaism, the number 18 has significant meaning. Based on the system of gematria (assigning numerical value to letters), the Hebrew letters of the word “chai,” meaning “life,” are quantified by 18. Chai, in turn, is an all-encompassing word that the Torah reveres.

Yet, as citizens of a modern society, it is rare to find a moment to just appreciate a weighted word for what it’s worth. Quicker than email replies or text messages, our minds are continuously scrutinizing and scurrying from one point in life to the next. Our work, families, and every external piece of our daily routines keeps us locked in an endless cycle of movement that makes it hard for us to just stop to take heed of our world.

So, in celebration of life, we look toward Shabbat. Not only is Shabbat a traditional day of rest, it is also a joyous occasion that reminds us of the simple goodness of our own lives. Whether you participate in a rich, cultural tradition of Judaism in Israel, or find yourself at home, alone with a deli-made challah, Shabbat is unique in its message of peace: It tells us that recognition of rest doesn’t detract from a fullness of life–it enhances it. Shabbat also gives us a designated time every week to be thankful for something as simple and abounding as life itself.

With all of this in mind we present Issue 18: Friday Night Lights, where we will share the sentiments of this sanctified day through stories from people who have found unique and personal ways to relate to Shabbat, even if that means developing some very non-traditional approaches. We hope that these stories serve as an inspiration to you to try to find some time in your own life to collect yourself, discover a sense of calm, and then carry on.

We should also add that if you are a Birthright Israel alumnus interested in transforming Shabbat into a new or revived tradition for yourself, please consider signing up to host a NEXT Shabbat meal through Birthright Israel NEXT.

- Alef

Friday Night Lights Posts
The Best Year
Friday Night in Israel
Unplugging
Keeping Shabbat
Oh Yes, Oh Yes, Oh YES!
Evolution of Shabbat
Tales of a Rabbi’s Kid
Cartoons for Shabbat
The Evolution of a Shabbat Guest

Photo by Jordan Chark, licensed under Creative Commons.

Extra special thanks to guest editor Katherine Bruce for her work on this issue.

Tags: friday night, jewish, Shabbat

Posted by Sarah, Monday, June 28th, 2010, 4:48 pm, Friday Night Lights.