Ki Tisa
Exodus 30:11-34:35
I Kings 18:1-39
Also special readings
for Shabbat Parah
Numbers 19:1-22
Ezekiel 36: 16-38
Why is it so hard to rest on Shabbat? This is one question that comes to mind in contemplating this week’s portion.
The Hebrew word akh is translated in different commentaries as “nevertheless,” “however,” “above all else” and “mark especially.” The use of this word in part of the portion, Exodus 31:13, is pivotal for understanding the importance of Shabbat.
In the previous six chapters, the Israelites received numerous commandments concerning the building of the Tabernacle. Moses has just been informed that he doesn’t need to complete the work himself, that Bezalel has been endowed with skill that will allow him to fashion the Tabernacle into something sacred. Make it holy, they are told; just as you are commanded so shall you do.
Then in what seems to be a non-sequitur, “And the Lord said to Moses: Speak to the Israelite people and say: Nevertheless, you must keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between Me and you throughout the ages, that you may know that I the lord have consecrated you” (Exodus 31:12-13).
In one breath, we move from Tabernacle to Shabbat observance. Are they connected and why does God take this opportunity to once again emphasize the Shabbat commandment?
The Jewish Publication Society Torah commentary teaches that they are linked and uses “nevertheless” to indicate the importance of Shabbat. Even though building the Tabernacle is a divine command, it does not supercede observance of Shabbat.
Space vs. time
This sets up the concept of holiness of space and holiness of time. Space is holy and God’s dwelling place is holy. Yet time came first; God sanctified Shabbat and gave it to everyone.
Therefore, when the two are in conflict, time wins. Shabbat is a day to cease from the routine of the week.
It is as though through this word, God wanted to say to Moses and the Israelites, “I know you are excited about building, I know you are enthused about Bezalel. Nevertheless, you still have to slow down and rest. The physical space will always be here, but don’t let the moment pass you by.”
Surely, there are exceptions to this precept. Some commentators use the work akh to indicate those.
“Nevertheless” has also come to mean that there are limitations to the applicability of the law for there are some commandments sacred enough to violate Shabbat, such as saving a life and circumcising a child (Jerusalem Talmud Tractate Yoma 8:5). Some might say that doing these two mitzvot don’t actually violate, but rather enhance, Shabbat.
Over and over again in Torah we are reminded to rest on Shabbat. We are urged to sanctify time and bring an extra energy or soul into our lives on the seventh day. When we do allow Shabbat to enter, this is a sign, a covenant, between us and God.
Nevertheless, many of us find it difficult to force ourselves to rest on Shabbat. There are birthday parties, sporting events, work that needs to be caught up, e-mails to return and errands to run.
Our children and parents need us, and friends are knocking on our door. In short, life tempts us to turn the seventh day into a day just like every other.
This is exactly what God warns us not to do with this powerful “nevertheless.” It is a warning that should be taken as an incentive.
This commandment is an encouragement to stop and re-energize every week. We sanctify our lives and the relationships of those with whom we spend Shabbat by stopping and marking holy time.
Shabbat observance can be intimidating if you haven’t been taking advantage of it all of your life. Actually taking a break is hard. Forcing ourselves to stop and make time holy requires change and effort.
Instead of shying away from the difficulties, why not find one aspect of Shabbat that excites you as a place to start?
Perhaps having a nice long Friday night meal or taking a nap on Saturday instead of going in to the office. Or stop to read a good book or spend time playing games with your kids instead of heading off to run errands would give you an added appreciation for the day.
Yes, our lives are busy; nevertheless, Shabbat for all of us can be holy time, a gift from God to bring us closer to God, to ourselves and to others.
Rabbi Shari Shamah is the Jewish Family Specialist at the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and president of the Wisconsin Council of Rabbis.
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