National Shabbat
There is a simple doable thing that will save Jewish lives. It doesn’t cost money, and it will bring peace and wholeness into your life.
3,338 years ago, God made two promises in the Bible and kept them.
Number one, the Jewish people are eternal. It is a miracle we’re still here. A tiny people under attack in every generation is still alive, while every ancient empire is not.
Number two, when Jews turn away from God and from our obligations in the Torah, we become vulnerable to our enemies.
It never goes well for them in the end. Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Nazis, Soviets, all gone. But they can hurt us badly for a time, and they do.
Standing our post as Jews makes us stronger. And there is one commandment that shines forth with peace, light, and security now before you.
Shabbos.
In 3,338 years, no world leader has ever officially recognized Shabbos and called on Jews across an entire nation to keep it.
The White House just did exactly that.
In honor of America’s upcoming 250th birthday and Jewish American Heritage Month, the president said, Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath.
From sundown on May 15th to nightfall on May 16th, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great nation.
This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.
This is not politics. This is a miracle.
And we have all got to be able to recognize when people on either side of the aisle speak truth.
We Jews have a different role to play than others. Not better, not entitled, but chosen for a unique mission. And we need to stand our post.
As Rudy Rockman says, the anti-Semites don’t hate us because they ain’t us. They hate us because we ain’t us.
Turn off your screens this Friday night. Light candles. Learn a bit of Torah.
My name is Salvador Litvak. This week, I will do my best to keep Shabbos.
Will you join me?
Am Yisrael Chai.
🤗 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter!
❤️ Support our work!
📱 NEW! ‘Accidental Talmudist’ App now available for Apple and Android!