Thursday, August 23, 2007

Prepare for Shabbat, you have three days.

This summer I was challenged by a teacher and friend to find holiness in 20 minutes. Granted, it took a little longer than that, (I almost missed lunch) before I had an epiphany. What my idea of holiness truly was. Granted again, it differed widely from that of my teacher and also not the subject of this blog.

The interesting thing is that I was able to do it. Granted, I'll never be truly satisfied with what I think is absolute holiness, I think God embodies it, but I've yet to think of another thing. Yet, all that in twenty minutes was a big deal. Or, was it?

To me, the idea that I was able to find, understand, and articulate "holiness" in twenty minutes is not a testament to my genius; rather, it is a testament to my modern mind. These days we all refuse to wait and demand instant gratification. Yet, we are to prepare for Shabbat starting on Wednesday.

I love the idea. How sweet is an event that it take three days to prepare oneself? How great is this day?

Maybe this stems from a newfound adoration of Shabbat, but how incredible is it that my favorite holiday comes once a week. That is not a question; there is no reasonable answer.

I have my own way to prepare: a commitment to having only as much homework as I can finish to avoid doing it on Saturday. It may not be much, but it will be my way to sanctify Shabbat. How will/do you prepare?

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