Pause & Affect: A Shabbat Outlook

Lesson 1
Gift of Rest
Judaism introduced the weekend to the world. Ancient Rome scoffed at Shabbat and the indolence they thought it represented. Why did God impose a pause on the labor of humankind? In this lesson, we ponder the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of rest to uncover how proper rest connects us with the essence of our humanity—far beyond the self-awareness and inner cohesion that can be achieved at work.

Lesson 2
Glow of Peace
Why is a candlelit dinner so romantic? How does the right lighting and ambience alter the mood of a home? What is the mysterious power of light that allows it to viscerally change the way we feel? This lesson explores the nature of light and how the kindling of the Shabbat candles creates the perfect setting to welcome in the Shabbat.

Lesson 3
The Feminine Shabbat
The liturgy of Shabbat is steeped in feminine imagery: A bride, a queen, a woman of valor—what feminine qualities are the poets referring to when they evoke these symbols? What distinguishes men from women? In what ways are women superior to men? And how are these qualities present in the Shabbat experience?

Lesson 4
Divine Delights
Many of us struggle to negotiate between life’s physical pleasures and our ability to withstand its temptations. We know from experience that dieting isn’t easy, but it can be exceptionally rewarding. Why on Shabbat do we indulge in physical delights? How do we reconcile the experience of physical pleasure with spiritual transcendence? And how can we learn to live a more integrated life—one that incorporates physical pleasure alongside soul-connection?

Lesson 5
Sacred Symbolisms
Oh, the stories that a cup of wine could tell. What is it about wine that reveals the secrets of our existence—a reminder of creation, its purpose, and the need to transcend our limitations? Two loaves of bread are reminiscent of the manna, and that our livelihood comes from above. On Shabbat, even the fish speak of Divine-consciousness! And why are gefilte fish and cholent customarily served? This lesson examines the history, symbolism, and rationale behind many of Shabbat’s weird, wacky, and delicious dishes.

Lesson 6
Order from Chaos
At first glance, the rules of Shabbat seem to defy logic. Why is it permitted to lug a heavy table, but forbidden to tie a knot, flick a switch, or jot a quick thank-you note? How did the simple instruction, “Do not work,” turn into a complex list of thirty-nine categories (and hundreds of subcategories) of prohibited labor? Catch a glimpse of the timeless depth of meaning behind the Shabbat regulations, whose elegance and dynamism allow us to seamlessly apply them to new and emerging technologies and circumstances.

Lesson 7
The Farewell
As the sun slips below the horizon and the night stars emerge, the harsh reality of the week ahead sets in, and the jolt from spiritual climax to a sudden loss of serenity levies its emotional toll. How do we best deal with the grief of transition? How can we make a safe landing from powerfully uplifting moments and get back to real life? Havdalah is an experience that encompasses all the senses, it opens our eyes to the differences between Shabbat and the week, and empowers us with the ability to integrate Shabbat into the workweek—to hallow even the mundane.