shabbat moment

yesterday, at sundown, I was invited to gather
with some of another community
for a Shabbat dinner

it was very lovely

filled with ritual and symbolism
with roots going back into the ages

because the Jews refuse to work on the Sabbath
the Shabbat
the meal begins at sunset the evening before

after the mother of the household
covers her head out of respect
while speaking thanks and blessing to God
she lights two white candles
which have been placed on the table

these speak to God
we would say Jesus
bringing light into the world

these two white candles
are not to be blown out
but are allowed to burn all evening
until they are finished

the father of the household speaks a blessing over his wife

the mother then speaks a blessing over her husband

the couple then jointly speak blessings over each of their children
and over their guest

there is the cup of wine
signifying the goodness of the Lord
Who gives us physical and spiritual drink
to satisfy the body and soul

this is passed around for each to take a drink

there is the challah bread
made of three strands
covered with a white cloth
signifying manna from heaven

the bread is blessed
broken
and passed around for each to take a piece

and then there is the meal
with its aroma and abundance

and then a time of giving thanks

“when you have eaten and are full,
then you shall bless the Lord your God
for the good land He has given you.” Deut 8:10

after the meal
words from the Torah were shared
along with the struggles of Israel
past and present

some things I noted

there are 2 loaves of bread
enough

so that no work would be required the next day

there are always an extra chair or two
around the table
this community expects strangers to
come through their door on the eve of Shabbat
as it is not good to be alone

the Jews have discovered the wonders of blessing
of speaking blessings
there is an extreme tenderness
when words of blessing are spoken
and received

there is much beauty and power in this community
and I came home very well fed
physically
spiritually
emotionally
relationally

and although by myself this
Shabbat day
I am not alone

Be careful not to blow out your candle
or anyone else’s

Shabbat shalom