It appears that Shabbat, the weekly Jewish day of rest, is gaining popularity as more individuals are recognizing the rejuvenating effects of dedicating a day to disconnect, unwind, and bond with others and our higher selves.
OneTable, an organization that supports Shabbat dinners for individuals aged 21 to 39, has seen a significant increase in the number of people utilizing their services. In 2019, they funded 9,000 dinners; by 2022, this number had risen to over 20,000. Even The New York Times recently noted that “Shabbat is a Salve – and a Scene,” highlighting the growing trend of more young people, both Jewish and non-Jewish, observing the Sabbath.
“People want to demonstrate their pride in being Jewish and their belief in the spirit of Judaism,” explained Susan Korn, a fashion designer from Manhattan, to The New York Times. She recently hosted a “Shabbat dinner” on a Thursday night for over 100 people in Manhattan.
What is attracting so many individuals to celebrate Shabbat? Here are five reasons why Shabbat may just be the trendiest holiday:
1. We all need time to unplug.
Taking a break from our devices, a fundamental aspect of a traditional Shabbat, is essential for our well-being. Research indicates that having our smartphones nearby, even when not in use, can decrease our empathy and engagement with the world around us. Disconnecting for 25 hours allows us to be more creative and focus on the real world and on interpersonal connections.
“I believe Shabbat, a day of rest, is the best concept from Judaism,” expressed Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tiffany Shlain. As a self-professed “cultural Jew,” Ms. Shlain is passionate about the benefits she and her children experience from taking a break from electronic devices, leading her to write the bestseller, 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week (Gallery Books: 2019).
2. Eating with family and friends is good for our health.
Sharing meals with loved ones is a significant aspect of Shabbat. Research shows that dining together isn’t just enjoyable; it is also linked to various health benefits. Studies indicate that children who participate in family meals are more resilient and have better mental health. A study from the University of Oxford found that “the more people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives.”
3. Shabbat connects us with something higher than ourselves.
While Shabbat is a time for connecting with others, it also offers a deeper connection. Shabbat provides an opportunity to experience the Divine in our lives.
Celebrating Shabbat is a meaningful way to access a spiritual mindset. Throughout the week, we toil diligently; Shabbat, the highlight of the week, allows us to pause and exist on a different plane, recalibrating our hectic lives and connecting with a higher power.
4. Shabbat reminds us we’re part of a long chain of Jewish history.
There is a sense of comfort and fulfillment in knowing that we are observing Shabbat in the footsteps of our ancestors. Whether using Shabbat candlesticks passed down from previous generations, preparing a family recipe, or engaging in other familial traditions, Shabbat enables us to participate in timeless Jewish customs that have been transmitted through the ages.
5. Shabbat is a great opportunity to stand with the Jewish people.
Amidst heightened levels of antisemitism, many individuals are seeking ways to affirm their Jewish identity proudly. Celebrating Shabbat is a powerful means of doing so. Over a century ago, the renowned Hebrew writer Asher Zvi Hirsch Ginsberg (known as “Ahad Ha’Am”) aptly remarked on the centrality of Shabbat in Jewish identity: “More than Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.”
Although Ginsberg was not religiously observant, he recognized that Shabbat is the quintessential Jewish practice that has sustained our people over generations. By observing Shabbat, you declare your alignment with the Jewish community.
Featured image: by Jordana Klein
To regenerate means to restore, renew, or revive something that has deteriorated or been damaged. It can refer to physical, mental, or emotional healing and growth. In biology, regeneration refers to the ability of an organism to re-grow or replace lost or damaged body parts.
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