Genesis 2:1-3 (NASB)
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
Leviticus 23:1-3 (NIV)
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.
“‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the Lord.
Exodus 31: 12-17 (NIV)
The Sabbath
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
“‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.’”
Deuteronomy 5:12-14 (NLT)
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do.
Luke 4:16-21 (NIV)
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Acts 13:13-14 (NIV)
From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.
Acts 18:4 (NIV)
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:4 (NLT)
Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.
Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV)
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
Hebrews 4:9-10 (NASB)
So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
Leviticus 23:1-3 (NIV)
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.
“‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the Lord.
Exodus 31: 12-17 (NIV)
The Sabbath
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
“‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.’”
Deuteronomy 5:12-14 (NLT)
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do.
Luke 4:16-21 (NIV)
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Acts 13:13-14 (NIV)
From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.
Acts 18:4 (NIV)
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:4 (NLT)
Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.
Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV)
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
Hebrews 4:9-10 (NASB)
So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.
Shabbat - Sabbath
Shabbat means "to rest," the creation account in Genesis shows us that Shabbat lasts from sundown on Friday evening to sundown on Saturday. God defined the days in the following order: "there was evening, and there was morning." The Hebrew calendar therefore begins a day at the sunset of the previous evening. In the Genesis account, we read that God created everything in six days - Genesis 1:31 tells us that "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day." In Chapter 2:1-3 we read: 'Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done (NIV).
God told the children of Israel that they were to also rest on the seventh day, they and all who lived in their household. That included their family, visitors, servants, workers and anyone who sheltered under their roof. Their animals were also to rest on the Sabbath. Exodus 31:12 puts it like this: "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy." Some versions of the Bible say that "this will be a sign between me and you throughout all your generations." This is an eternal ordinance and throughout both the Tanakh (The Old Covenant) and the Brit Hadasha (The Renewed Covenant) from Genesis to Revelation, we find the people of God resting on Shabbat. Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples certainly did, as did the Apostle Paul. (See Luke 4:16-21; Acts 13:13-14; Acts 18:4 and Hebrews 4:9-10).
Some Christians refer to Sunday as the "Christian Sabbath" however, this is in error as Sunday is never called the Sabbath in the Bible. In Matthew 28:1 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) it is called "the first day of the week." Yeshua's resurrection took place on "the first day of the week." Matthew 28:1 tells us that "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week..." And Paul instructs the believers in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:2) to take up a collection for God's people: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made... "
All days are counted in relationship to the Sabbath (Shabbat) - first day, second day etc., and this is the biblical way of counting the days of the week.
The Bible also refers to other Sabbaths which allow for the land to rest and which will be covered within the Biblical Festivals from Leviticus 23 where they are assigned (such as Shavuot).
God told the children of Israel that they were to also rest on the seventh day, they and all who lived in their household. That included their family, visitors, servants, workers and anyone who sheltered under their roof. Their animals were also to rest on the Sabbath. Exodus 31:12 puts it like this: "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy." Some versions of the Bible say that "this will be a sign between me and you throughout all your generations." This is an eternal ordinance and throughout both the Tanakh (The Old Covenant) and the Brit Hadasha (The Renewed Covenant) from Genesis to Revelation, we find the people of God resting on Shabbat. Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples certainly did, as did the Apostle Paul. (See Luke 4:16-21; Acts 13:13-14; Acts 18:4 and Hebrews 4:9-10).
Some Christians refer to Sunday as the "Christian Sabbath" however, this is in error as Sunday is never called the Sabbath in the Bible. In Matthew 28:1 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) it is called "the first day of the week." Yeshua's resurrection took place on "the first day of the week." Matthew 28:1 tells us that "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week..." And Paul instructs the believers in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:2) to take up a collection for God's people: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made... "
All days are counted in relationship to the Sabbath (Shabbat) - first day, second day etc., and this is the biblical way of counting the days of the week.
The Bible also refers to other Sabbaths which allow for the land to rest and which will be covered within the Biblical Festivals from Leviticus 23 where they are assigned (such as Shavuot).
Hebrew Days of the WeekThe Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic (Semitic) languages have the days of the week numbered as in 1st, 2nd etc.
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English Days of the WeekCommonly believed to have been named after pagan gods from Greek, Roman Scandinavian & German mythology
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For a comprehensive introduction to the Lunar Jewish (Biblical) Calendar go to the following pages: http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/m_calint.htm
This Jewish Heritage website introduces you to the differences between the lunar (Biblical) calendar and the Gregorian (Western) calendar.
This Jewish Heritage website introduces you to the differences between the lunar (Biblical) calendar and the Gregorian (Western) calendar.
Traditional Jewish Observance
In the Jewish household preparation for Shabbat begins early in the day on Friday. The house is cleaned and the Challah (sweet egg bread) kneaded and left to rise. When ready it will be braided into a plait and left to rise again, before baking. Because Shabbat is set apart to 'remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy' the very best tableware and linens will be used to decorate the dinner table. Fresh flowers will also adorn the meal table with a special kiddush cup (the cup of sanctification) for wine or grape juice, two loaves of Challah covered with a special usually embroidered or decorated cloth, and salt to remember the covenant.
Two candlesticks are set on the table to symbolise the two-fold commandment to remember and sanctify. The candles are lit by the woman of the house precisely eighteen minutes before sunset so the act itself won't constitute 'work' on the Sabbath according to modern rabbinic interpretation. The woman of the house will cover her head and light the candles circling her arms around as if to draw in the warmth of the light, then she will say the following blessings:
Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvohtav v'tzi-vanu l'hadleek ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has set us apart by your commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights.
The woman will then close her eyes for a moment of silent prayer.
With the candles lit, the blessing is pronounced over the wine or juice which is either in the special kiddush cup (Cup of sanctification) or separate glasses for each person present. The fruit of the vine is symbolic of God's provision in our lives, according to Psalm 104:15 (NIV): ...wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. The man of the house then pronounces the following blessing:
Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, boray pre hagefen.
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Next comes the blessing of the challah (a braided sweet egg-bread traditionally used for festive occasions). There is usually two loaves representing the double-portion of manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness during the Exodus from Egypt. The loaves are placed on a decorative plate and covered by a specially decorated cloth representing the dew that fell with the manna. The leader will now remove the cover and holding the plate aloft for all to see blesses the bread as follows:
Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, ha-motzee lekhem meen ha-aretz.
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
The bread is then broken and a portion shared with each person at the table. The portion of bread is then dipped into salt to remember the salt covenant (see Leviticus 2:3; Numbers 8:18-19; 2 Chronicles 13:4-6 ) and the greeting of "Shabbat Shalom" ("peace on the Sabbath") shared to all present, often accompanied by a kiss and/or a hug.
The final blessing before the meal is served is the prayer over the children. For sons, the father will place his hand on their head and say:
Y'simkha Elohim k'Ephrayeem v'kheeM'nasheh.
May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:20).
For daughters he will place his hand on their head and say:
Y'simekh Elohim k'Sarah, Rivkah, Rakhel v'Leah.
May you be like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah.
He will then bless his wife by reading the passage about the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:10-31. He may even sing this to his wife - I was privileged to attend a Shabbat meal at a family home in Israel, the grown up children and grandchildren also attended and after blessing the children, the father/grandfather then sang the Proverbs 31 verses as a beautiful love song to his wife, it was a very special moment.
Shabbat is a time of family worship and fellowship. A festive meal is served and is leisurely consumed. After the meal grace is said in Hebrew and traditional songs are sung. The following morning (Saturday), the family may attend a synagogue service. Shabbat provides the family with a time of rest and a time to focus on the God of Israel and to come together to worship Him. At the end of the synagogue service, after the closing hymn, the service will end with the Oneg Shabbat (Delight in the Sabbath), which consists of a small amount of wine or grape juice along with other refreshments. This custom is based on the a passage written in "the prophets" where Israel is told to "call the Sabbath a delight." After the oneg, the people go home for lunch and will spend the afternoon visiting friends or resting.
At the end of Shabbat there is a special closing service on Saturday evening. To distinguish Shabbat from other days, the rabbis created a service called Havdalah (Hebrew for separated). This service has some interesting elements. First a braided Havdalah candle is lit to remind participants that the light of the Sabbath will soon depart, traditionally Isaiah 12:2 is read "Surely God is my salvation" - in Hebrew salvation is "Yeshua." A spice box (b'sameem) is passed around and each person shakes the box and inhales the sweet spices inside to remember the sweetness of the departing Sabbath. A cup of wine or grape juice is passed around and after the traditional blessing is made, each person takes a sip. Then the candle is extinguished in the drops remaining in the cup. The Havdalah service closes with the singing of Eliyahu Ha-Navi" (Elijah the Prophet). This is strongly Messianic in content - "May Elijah come with Messiah, Son of David." At sunset on Saturday evening the new week begins.
For more information on traditional Jewish observance see: http://www.aish.com/sh/
Two candlesticks are set on the table to symbolise the two-fold commandment to remember and sanctify. The candles are lit by the woman of the house precisely eighteen minutes before sunset so the act itself won't constitute 'work' on the Sabbath according to modern rabbinic interpretation. The woman of the house will cover her head and light the candles circling her arms around as if to draw in the warmth of the light, then she will say the following blessings:
Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvohtav v'tzi-vanu l'hadleek ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has set us apart by your commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights.
The woman will then close her eyes for a moment of silent prayer.
With the candles lit, the blessing is pronounced over the wine or juice which is either in the special kiddush cup (Cup of sanctification) or separate glasses for each person present. The fruit of the vine is symbolic of God's provision in our lives, according to Psalm 104:15 (NIV): ...wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. The man of the house then pronounces the following blessing:
Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, boray pre hagefen.
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Next comes the blessing of the challah (a braided sweet egg-bread traditionally used for festive occasions). There is usually two loaves representing the double-portion of manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness during the Exodus from Egypt. The loaves are placed on a decorative plate and covered by a specially decorated cloth representing the dew that fell with the manna. The leader will now remove the cover and holding the plate aloft for all to see blesses the bread as follows:
Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, ha-motzee lekhem meen ha-aretz.
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
The bread is then broken and a portion shared with each person at the table. The portion of bread is then dipped into salt to remember the salt covenant (see Leviticus 2:3; Numbers 8:18-19; 2 Chronicles 13:4-6 ) and the greeting of "Shabbat Shalom" ("peace on the Sabbath") shared to all present, often accompanied by a kiss and/or a hug.
The final blessing before the meal is served is the prayer over the children. For sons, the father will place his hand on their head and say:
Y'simkha Elohim k'Ephrayeem v'kheeM'nasheh.
May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:20).
For daughters he will place his hand on their head and say:
Y'simekh Elohim k'Sarah, Rivkah, Rakhel v'Leah.
May you be like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah.
He will then bless his wife by reading the passage about the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:10-31. He may even sing this to his wife - I was privileged to attend a Shabbat meal at a family home in Israel, the grown up children and grandchildren also attended and after blessing the children, the father/grandfather then sang the Proverbs 31 verses as a beautiful love song to his wife, it was a very special moment.
Shabbat is a time of family worship and fellowship. A festive meal is served and is leisurely consumed. After the meal grace is said in Hebrew and traditional songs are sung. The following morning (Saturday), the family may attend a synagogue service. Shabbat provides the family with a time of rest and a time to focus on the God of Israel and to come together to worship Him. At the end of the synagogue service, after the closing hymn, the service will end with the Oneg Shabbat (Delight in the Sabbath), which consists of a small amount of wine or grape juice along with other refreshments. This custom is based on the a passage written in "the prophets" where Israel is told to "call the Sabbath a delight." After the oneg, the people go home for lunch and will spend the afternoon visiting friends or resting.
At the end of Shabbat there is a special closing service on Saturday evening. To distinguish Shabbat from other days, the rabbis created a service called Havdalah (Hebrew for separated). This service has some interesting elements. First a braided Havdalah candle is lit to remind participants that the light of the Sabbath will soon depart, traditionally Isaiah 12:2 is read "Surely God is my salvation" - in Hebrew salvation is "Yeshua." A spice box (b'sameem) is passed around and each person shakes the box and inhales the sweet spices inside to remember the sweetness of the departing Sabbath. A cup of wine or grape juice is passed around and after the traditional blessing is made, each person takes a sip. Then the candle is extinguished in the drops remaining in the cup. The Havdalah service closes with the singing of Eliyahu Ha-Navi" (Elijah the Prophet). This is strongly Messianic in content - "May Elijah come with Messiah, Son of David." At sunset on Saturday evening the new week begins.
For more information on traditional Jewish observance see: http://www.aish.com/sh/
Shabbat in the New Testament
Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV)
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
The Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) puts it like this:
So there remains a Shabbat-keeping for God’s people. For the one who has entered God’s rest has also rested from his own works, as God did from his.
This passage was written to the Messianic Jews of the first century (the early Christians). The seventh day (Shabbat) is a wonderful reminder of a coming day set aside to rest in the Messiah. The 1000 year reign of the Messiah from Jerusalem will be in effect a Shabbat - a beautiful time of rest and worship of the King.
Jesus (Yeshua) lived a life that was consistent with much of the traditional Judaism of the day, (attending synagogue and going up to Jerusalem to the Temple to celebrate the feasts). Likewise his disciples also continued in traditional forms of synagogue worship (Acts 13:13 and 18:4). However Yeshua didn't agree with every detail of rabbinic Shabbat observance and indeed challenged the rabbis of the day by reminding them that "Shabbat was made for mankind, not mankind for Shabbat" (Mark 2:27). In other words, he challenged the 'laws' they had added making it a chore rather than a delight to rest on the Sabbath. He challenged them to remain biblically balanced and enter into the true rest of God's spirit.
There are many wonderful lessons from celebrating Shabbat to be enjoyed by followers of Yeshua. The most important element being the spirit in which we observe the holy days. The practical expression of Shabbat observance was meant to illustrate the rest and refreshment God offers his people when they abide in Him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28 NIV).
Messianic Observance
Messianic believers (Jews and Gentiles) may set apart time on Friday afternoon to prepare a festive meal to welcome the Sabbath day of rest. The Challah bread will either be baked or purchased and the table set with flowers and candles and a special meal prepared.
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. (Luke 23:54 NIV)
The family will come together just before sunset festively dressed for a time of blessing, fellowship and a special meal, which may include several courses. The meal may begin with soup followed by a fish dish, then maybe a chicken dish, then a dessert, much the same as the traditional observance except that the meal may not be fully 'kosher' as far as rabbinic law dictates. The lady of the house will light the Sabbath candles the same as the traditional woman, however the blessing she pronounces may be slightly modified. For example, she may say the following prayer:
Barukh ata Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav l'hayot or l'goyeem v' natan-lanu Yeshua m'sheekhaynu har-or la-olam.
Blessed art thou, O Lord Our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by thy commandments and commanded us to be a light unto the nations and has given us Yeshua, the light of the world.
Alternatively she may say:
Barukh ata Adonai, Elohenu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu be dam Yeshua vetzivanu lihiot or la-goyeem. Amen.
Blessed are you O Lord, Our God, King of the universe, who sanctifies us with the blood of Jesus and commands us to be a light to the nations. Amen.
The blessings over the wine/grape juice and bread follow, the traditional blessings are consistent with faith in Yeshua (Jesus) as are the Scriptural blessings from Proverbs 31 for the wife and Genesis 48:20 for the children. The man of the house may choose to follow the blessings with a reading from the New Covenant such as Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, a Psalm or a passage from the letter to the Hebrews. The wine/grape juice is blessed first and either a single cup passed around the table for each participant to drink from, or individual glasses poured for each person. The wine is followed by the bread which is blessed then a portion is torn off the loaf as it is passed around the table, it is then dipped into salt before the participants hold it up and say "Shabbat Shalom" (Peace on the Sabbath) and then partake of the bread. The meal is then served and the family will enjoy fellowship with each other followed by singing some traditional and some messianic (Christian) songs/psalms. These customs remind the believers of the complete rest we receive when we invite Yeshua (Jesus) to come into our lives.
According to Marvin R. Wilson in 'Our Father Abraham, Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith' (1989):
It is not known when the early Church began Sunday worship. Both Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 may allude to Sunday as a day for meeting. But the New Testament writers provide us with no clear rationale for a shift from the seventh to the first day of the week. Perhaps the early Jewish followers of Jesus met in the synagogues on the Sabbath, and then met again as Christians (or ma'aminium, 'believers'), following the Havdalah ceremony (a ritual which ended the Sabbath), on Saturday evening after sundown to begin the first day of the week. Some New Testament texts hint that Saturday was not consistently observed as the one day of worship and rest (Romans. 14:5-6; Galatians. 4:8-11; Colossians. 2:16-17), perhaps largely due to the sudden influx of many non-Jews into the early Church....
Apparently, the precise day of worship was not the key issue for the New Testament Church. Every day was to be holy unto the Lord. What is important for us to remember, however, is that behind the various reasons which eventually led to Sunday worship was the desire on the part of the early Church, which had become increasingly non-Jewish in its composition, to distinguish itself from Judaism and its special Sabbath laws. Thus the gap between non-Jews and Jews continued to widen.
I wonder just how much influence on our modern families setting aside time for family fellowship each week would have had should the Church and indeed society have taught the concept? Please note that I am not advocating foregoing corporate worship in your own church congregation on Sunday, the first day of the week. Yeshua (Jesus) was resurrected on the first day of the week. In Acts 2:42-27 we can read about the believers meeting together 'every day.' My own observance living in Israel, witnessing the hush that comes over the land as Shabbat begins and sharing in many Shabbat meals made me both envious and sad that our 'modern' society with both parents working to make ends meet, no longer has time for regular family fellowship. Along the way we have missed out on that weekly sweet 'family' fellowship time, a setting apart of a day beginning at sunset where mother and father, children and sometimes extended family and visitors take time to thank God, to bless, enjoy a special meal and spend quality time together, maybe singing, maybe playing games. The mother blessing the household as she lights the candles and recalls the injunction to 'be a light to the world,' the father affirming his wife and children in blessings and songs. All the weekday cares forgotten for the moment, quarrels set aside and a family totally at rest in the Lord. Maybe we would have had fewer broken families, more marriages intact, more happy children confident in who they are and where they come from? We cannot know for sure, however we do know that God invites us to enter His rest through his son Yeshua (Jesus) who is our Sabbath Rest: "So there remains a Shabbat-keeping for God's people. For the one who has entered God's rest has also rested from his own works, as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:9-10 CJB). And the only 'striving' we should ever indulge in, is to be more like Yeshua (Jesus) by the 'transforming of our minds' - Romans 12:1-2 reads: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV).
Shabbat Shalom!
For more information on Messianic observance see: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Shabbat/shabbat.html
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
The Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) puts it like this:
So there remains a Shabbat-keeping for God’s people. For the one who has entered God’s rest has also rested from his own works, as God did from his.
This passage was written to the Messianic Jews of the first century (the early Christians). The seventh day (Shabbat) is a wonderful reminder of a coming day set aside to rest in the Messiah. The 1000 year reign of the Messiah from Jerusalem will be in effect a Shabbat - a beautiful time of rest and worship of the King.
Jesus (Yeshua) lived a life that was consistent with much of the traditional Judaism of the day, (attending synagogue and going up to Jerusalem to the Temple to celebrate the feasts). Likewise his disciples also continued in traditional forms of synagogue worship (Acts 13:13 and 18:4). However Yeshua didn't agree with every detail of rabbinic Shabbat observance and indeed challenged the rabbis of the day by reminding them that "Shabbat was made for mankind, not mankind for Shabbat" (Mark 2:27). In other words, he challenged the 'laws' they had added making it a chore rather than a delight to rest on the Sabbath. He challenged them to remain biblically balanced and enter into the true rest of God's spirit.
There are many wonderful lessons from celebrating Shabbat to be enjoyed by followers of Yeshua. The most important element being the spirit in which we observe the holy days. The practical expression of Shabbat observance was meant to illustrate the rest and refreshment God offers his people when they abide in Him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28 NIV).
Messianic Observance
Messianic believers (Jews and Gentiles) may set apart time on Friday afternoon to prepare a festive meal to welcome the Sabbath day of rest. The Challah bread will either be baked or purchased and the table set with flowers and candles and a special meal prepared.
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. (Luke 23:54 NIV)
The family will come together just before sunset festively dressed for a time of blessing, fellowship and a special meal, which may include several courses. The meal may begin with soup followed by a fish dish, then maybe a chicken dish, then a dessert, much the same as the traditional observance except that the meal may not be fully 'kosher' as far as rabbinic law dictates. The lady of the house will light the Sabbath candles the same as the traditional woman, however the blessing she pronounces may be slightly modified. For example, she may say the following prayer:
Barukh ata Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav l'hayot or l'goyeem v' natan-lanu Yeshua m'sheekhaynu har-or la-olam.
Blessed art thou, O Lord Our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by thy commandments and commanded us to be a light unto the nations and has given us Yeshua, the light of the world.
Alternatively she may say:
Barukh ata Adonai, Elohenu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu be dam Yeshua vetzivanu lihiot or la-goyeem. Amen.
Blessed are you O Lord, Our God, King of the universe, who sanctifies us with the blood of Jesus and commands us to be a light to the nations. Amen.
The blessings over the wine/grape juice and bread follow, the traditional blessings are consistent with faith in Yeshua (Jesus) as are the Scriptural blessings from Proverbs 31 for the wife and Genesis 48:20 for the children. The man of the house may choose to follow the blessings with a reading from the New Covenant such as Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, a Psalm or a passage from the letter to the Hebrews. The wine/grape juice is blessed first and either a single cup passed around the table for each participant to drink from, or individual glasses poured for each person. The wine is followed by the bread which is blessed then a portion is torn off the loaf as it is passed around the table, it is then dipped into salt before the participants hold it up and say "Shabbat Shalom" (Peace on the Sabbath) and then partake of the bread. The meal is then served and the family will enjoy fellowship with each other followed by singing some traditional and some messianic (Christian) songs/psalms. These customs remind the believers of the complete rest we receive when we invite Yeshua (Jesus) to come into our lives.
According to Marvin R. Wilson in 'Our Father Abraham, Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith' (1989):
It is not known when the early Church began Sunday worship. Both Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 may allude to Sunday as a day for meeting. But the New Testament writers provide us with no clear rationale for a shift from the seventh to the first day of the week. Perhaps the early Jewish followers of Jesus met in the synagogues on the Sabbath, and then met again as Christians (or ma'aminium, 'believers'), following the Havdalah ceremony (a ritual which ended the Sabbath), on Saturday evening after sundown to begin the first day of the week. Some New Testament texts hint that Saturday was not consistently observed as the one day of worship and rest (Romans. 14:5-6; Galatians. 4:8-11; Colossians. 2:16-17), perhaps largely due to the sudden influx of many non-Jews into the early Church....
Apparently, the precise day of worship was not the key issue for the New Testament Church. Every day was to be holy unto the Lord. What is important for us to remember, however, is that behind the various reasons which eventually led to Sunday worship was the desire on the part of the early Church, which had become increasingly non-Jewish in its composition, to distinguish itself from Judaism and its special Sabbath laws. Thus the gap between non-Jews and Jews continued to widen.
I wonder just how much influence on our modern families setting aside time for family fellowship each week would have had should the Church and indeed society have taught the concept? Please note that I am not advocating foregoing corporate worship in your own church congregation on Sunday, the first day of the week. Yeshua (Jesus) was resurrected on the first day of the week. In Acts 2:42-27 we can read about the believers meeting together 'every day.' My own observance living in Israel, witnessing the hush that comes over the land as Shabbat begins and sharing in many Shabbat meals made me both envious and sad that our 'modern' society with both parents working to make ends meet, no longer has time for regular family fellowship. Along the way we have missed out on that weekly sweet 'family' fellowship time, a setting apart of a day beginning at sunset where mother and father, children and sometimes extended family and visitors take time to thank God, to bless, enjoy a special meal and spend quality time together, maybe singing, maybe playing games. The mother blessing the household as she lights the candles and recalls the injunction to 'be a light to the world,' the father affirming his wife and children in blessings and songs. All the weekday cares forgotten for the moment, quarrels set aside and a family totally at rest in the Lord. Maybe we would have had fewer broken families, more marriages intact, more happy children confident in who they are and where they come from? We cannot know for sure, however we do know that God invites us to enter His rest through his son Yeshua (Jesus) who is our Sabbath Rest: "So there remains a Shabbat-keeping for God's people. For the one who has entered God's rest has also rested from his own works, as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:9-10 CJB). And the only 'striving' we should ever indulge in, is to be more like Yeshua (Jesus) by the 'transforming of our minds' - Romans 12:1-2 reads: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV).
Shabbat Shalom!
For more information on Messianic observance see: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Shabbat/shabbat.html
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Zola Levitt Presents
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Enter the Rest - Lessons from the Epistle to the Hebrews by Israel Harel
This book can be purchased through Amazon or alternatively through the Book Depository for New Zealand purchasers. Order on line, postage is free, delivery is prompt and you can pay in NZ dollars:
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Enter-Rest-Israel-Harel/9781622306596
Book Summary
Israel Harel casts a completely new light on the New Testament book of Hebrews that will educate even the most seasoned Christ follower. The author explores the backdrop of Jewish culture and concerns into which the Epistle to the Hebrews was written, unpacking the references to Jewish history to help the modern reader (Jew or Gentile) better understand what Jesus has done for each of us. He explores the questions and difficulties addressed in the epistle, while discussing long-standing trends in Judaism and how Jesus fulfills Biblical Judaism and transcends Rabbinical Judaism. Through these discussions, one theme comes through loud and clear: the Epistle to the Hebrews is a strong call to intimacy with God in the Holy of Holies. It is a call to enter into the Sabbath rest of God, into the place where He is all in all.
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Enter-Rest-Israel-Harel/9781622306596
Book Summary
Israel Harel casts a completely new light on the New Testament book of Hebrews that will educate even the most seasoned Christ follower. The author explores the backdrop of Jewish culture and concerns into which the Epistle to the Hebrews was written, unpacking the references to Jewish history to help the modern reader (Jew or Gentile) better understand what Jesus has done for each of us. He explores the questions and difficulties addressed in the epistle, while discussing long-standing trends in Judaism and how Jesus fulfills Biblical Judaism and transcends Rabbinical Judaism. Through these discussions, one theme comes through loud and clear: the Epistle to the Hebrews is a strong call to intimacy with God in the Holy of Holies. It is a call to enter into the Sabbath rest of God, into the place where He is all in all.
Recipe for Challah (Sweet Shabbat Bread) Makes 2 large loaves
Ingredients
1 cup tepid water
1/2 cup (1 stick) of margarine or butter*
1 sachet (7g) dried yeast
2/3 cup of sugar
2 Eggs slightly beaten
1.5 tsp salt
1 small egg beaten with 1 tsp water
4-5 cups strong white flour
Method:
In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 cups of flour. Set aside to rise for about 20 minutes.
In the meantime, in another large bowl, combine 2 cups flour,1/3 cup of sugar, 1.5 tsp salt and cut in butter/margarine.
Add 2 slightly beaten eggs to the yeast mixture in the 1st bowl.
Next, work in the flour mixture and stir until completely mixed. If the dough seems too sticky, add up to 1 more cup of flour, knead on a floured board for about 5 mins or until dough springs back when lightly pressed with a finger.
Place dough in a large oiled bowl and let it rise in a warm, draught free place until doubled in bulk (About 1.5-2 hours depending on temperature).
Turn out onto a floured surface and roll out long like a rope.
** Divide into 2 (for 2 loaves) then divide each piece again into 3 pieces.
Form a 3 strand braid and tuck in the ends.
Place on greased and floured oven sheets (or I use baking paper instead of greasing and flouring).
Leave to rise about 3-4 hours then brush each loaf with beaten egg and water, you can sprinkle with either sesame seeds or poppy seeds at this point.
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius until golden brown about 25-30 minutes.
*For kosher challah use 3 tbsp olive oil.
** Alternatively form a 4 stranded braid for a higher loaf - place 4 strands on a board then take 2 outer strands and fold over the 2 inner strands, then repeat and continue until the strands are braided and tuck the ends under.
1 cup tepid water
1/2 cup (1 stick) of margarine or butter*
1 sachet (7g) dried yeast
2/3 cup of sugar
2 Eggs slightly beaten
1.5 tsp salt
1 small egg beaten with 1 tsp water
4-5 cups strong white flour
Method:
In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 cups of flour. Set aside to rise for about 20 minutes.
In the meantime, in another large bowl, combine 2 cups flour,1/3 cup of sugar, 1.5 tsp salt and cut in butter/margarine.
Add 2 slightly beaten eggs to the yeast mixture in the 1st bowl.
Next, work in the flour mixture and stir until completely mixed. If the dough seems too sticky, add up to 1 more cup of flour, knead on a floured board for about 5 mins or until dough springs back when lightly pressed with a finger.
Place dough in a large oiled bowl and let it rise in a warm, draught free place until doubled in bulk (About 1.5-2 hours depending on temperature).
Turn out onto a floured surface and roll out long like a rope.
** Divide into 2 (for 2 loaves) then divide each piece again into 3 pieces.
Form a 3 strand braid and tuck in the ends.
Place on greased and floured oven sheets (or I use baking paper instead of greasing and flouring).
Leave to rise about 3-4 hours then brush each loaf with beaten egg and water, you can sprinkle with either sesame seeds or poppy seeds at this point.
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius until golden brown about 25-30 minutes.
*For kosher challah use 3 tbsp olive oil.
** Alternatively form a 4 stranded braid for a higher loaf - place 4 strands on a board then take 2 outer strands and fold over the 2 inner strands, then repeat and continue until the strands are braided and tuck the ends under.