To Experience Personal Renewal
It has become a commonplace observation that technology keeps us connected and “on call” at all hours of every day. Shabbat is a natural antidote to this crush of electronic connection, an opportunity to ignore those devices and slow down to connect with oneself. People who observe Shabbat frequently report that it helps them to become better people, that it makes room for more creative thinking, and that it is an opportunity to feel refreshed before diving into another work week.
In addition, with its decadent meals and joyful singing, Shabbat becomes an opportunity to taste a better life. This taste, symbolized by the sweet spices that are sniffed at Havdalah (the ceremony ending Shabbat), is carried over into the rest of the week, making life richer all week long. And as a foretaste of the World to Come, Shabbat can inspire the individual to work to make the world a better place.