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Beyond The Sabbath

Beyond The Sabbath

Last updated on: July 27, 2024 at 9:43 pm by Rebecca Wallace Keene

Beyond The Sabbath 2024-07-27T21:43:02-04:00 Rebecca Wallace Keene

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Beyond The Sabbath By Rebecca Keene Using Image Creator

Beyond The Sabbath People Work Together To Build A Better World

Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8 is a verse of The Torah that Jews take very seriously. We commit to doing no work on the sabbath, because G-d rested on the sabbath and commanded us to do the same. Truly, doing this lengthens our days. However, I have been wondering if we do not miss the more important message. What lies beyond The Sabbath? Is what we do on the other 6 days not just as important, if not more than The Sabbath? What does The Torah say about the rest of the week?

The Sabbath in the Torah

The Torah tells us:

“2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:1-3

However, what is important to note is that this is the beginning of chapter 2. The entirety of Chapter 1 is devoted only to documenting G-d’s creation of Earth. Then, after he has created everything and seen that it was good he rests. The rest is given only 2 verses in Genesis. The creation was given a chapter. Exodus 20:9- 11 explains:

“ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

Creation: Beyond The Sabbath

I think we often forget that G-d spent 6 days creating the world he wanted. We forget that he commanded us to do the same. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” I don’t mean getting up and just going to “work” six days a week. Instead, what would happen if each of us actually spent 6 days a week working to create the world we wish to live in, just as G-d did? What would change if we purposely spent 6 days a week in creation of our world? Decreased hate? Decreased pollution? More friendships? Cleaner waterways? Might we save the world if we truly copied our father’s plan for the week? If we spent six days creating the world and one day resting and enjoying our creation, would we not save the planet and with it humanity?

Six Days for a Better World

The Sabbath loses all meaning if we do not complete the six days of work. Only after 6 days of creating the world can one truly appreciate the rest and enjoyment of the creation. Therefore, we must think about what lies beyond The Sabbath. We must purposely arise on Sunday ready to spend a week creating a better world. Peace, inclusion, and social justice must become our purpose. We must live out the commandment to love our brother as ourselves and give to charities. Only then will we be truly honoring The Sabbath.

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About Rebecca Keene

The author, Rebecca Keene, has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Religion. She graduated from the University of Pikeville as Religion Honor Student in 2014. Currently, she is studying for a MA in Women, Gender, Spirituality, and Social Justice at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Also, Rebecca is the author of FAITH UNDER THE RAINBOW: RECLAIMING THE TRUTH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE. In addition, she founded and independently runs the social media community, Reclaiming the Truth. Therefore, you should visit Rebecca's author page and purchase her books at: Amazon Author Page or: Publication Page Rebecca is currently in her 3rd year of Kabbalah study. She is ordained to perform LGBT weddings and is certified in Hypnotherapy. Rebecca lives in Kentucky with her two adult children. She practices Non-Denominational Judaism. She is passionate about social justice and fiercely advocates for the marginalized in society and religion. When not with her children or writing, Rebecca enjoys spending time in nature, with G-d, or in a good book. She also enjoys making and selling art which you can find at Art by Rebecca. Author, Rebecca Keene, is always happy to hear from readers. You may contact her through the Reclaiming the Truth page on Facebook, or you can email [email protected] Rebecca will try to answer all correspondence, but please be patient, as life is busy for us all. You can read more about the author here.

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