The following extract is from a Jewish booklet on the Sabbath, but should
serve to remind believers of the blessedness of the Lord's Day for them.
When the day was about to set, the Jewish child became aware of a sense of family consecration. It was then that the scattered members of the family gathered to welcome the Sabbath. The first to be honoured with the privilege was the mother. It was she who had laboured most to bring the Sabbath spirit into the home and it was only proper that she should be first to welcome the "Queen." Immediately before lighting the candles, she would drop some coins into the "charity-box," associating the spirit of charity with light and Sabbath rest. The child reverently watched as the mother kindled the lights. She covered her eyes with the palms of her hands, recited the traditional blessing, and prayed for the wellbeing of her family. Then she kissed every child, and this kiss, too, the child felt, was unlike any other he received during the week. It had a rare sweetness and loveliness reflecting the Sabbath spirit.
Equally impressive was the father's role. Returning from the evening services at the Synagogue, he would bestow the benediction of Jacob upon his child. The father placed his hands on each child's bowed head and pronounced the traditional blessing – for boys: "May God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh," and for girls: "May God make you as Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah."
The ceremony of welcoming the Sabbath "Bride" reached its climax at the Friday evening meal. The child joined in chanting the hymn, Sholom Alaychem, welcoming the "Angels of Peace" which figuratively visited every Jewish home on the Sabbath. The hymn was followed by the father's recital of the last chapter of Proverbs wherein the "woman of worth" (his own wife) is praised in glowing terms, and is declared to be "more precious than rubies."
Gone was the plainness of the weekday meals. Gone were the hurry and worry of the mid-week family gatherings. At the Friday evening meal, there was complete relaxation as we waited for the Sabbath:
"He should rejoice at the coming of the Sabbath, and make the house ready as one does for the coming of a distinguished guest."
(The Sabbath – Rabbi Millgram)
This Page Title –Waiting for the Sabbath by Rabbi Millgram The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 72 – placed on line May 2008 Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |