*The new moon began it's cycle December 4th, 2013... therefore the Sabbath will be observed on December 11th, December 18th, December 25th, and January 1st (Roman calendar dates).
Shabbat Shalom (Peaceful Sabbath)! :)
The Sabbath of YHWH...
We have the first recorded Sabbath at the 7th day of creation... Genesis 2:2-3. The next time we see it is in Exodus 16:16-30 (BEFORE what most people consider "the law" or the "10 Commandments" was given). It is then, also, recorded in Exodus 20:8-11 (the "10 Commandments")... explained further in Exodus 23:10-12, emphasized again in Exodus 31:13-18, and it is repeated again in Exodus 34:21, and Exodus 35:1-3.
Next we find it in Leviticus 19:2-3;30... and in Leviticus 23:2-3 it is included in the feasts of YHWH. In Leviticus 25:1-22 it gives the "Sabbath rest" to the land, and also the "Jubilee", and is repeated in Leviticus 26:2. In Numbers 15:32-36 we see a record of someone breaking the Sabbath commandment of YHWH, and YHWH told Moses that the man had to be put to death... then YHWH told Moses to have the children of Israel to put fringes (tassels/tzit tzits) on the borders of their garments, with a ribband of blue, to REMEMBER all of YHWH's commandments and DO them.
Finally, in Deuteronomy 5:12-15... so, over and over we see the importance of YHWH's Shabbat (Sabbath). If it has been observed from the beginning, and will be observed in the future... (Isaiah 66:23-24) "WHY" is it not observed now ? YHWH said to keep "THE" Sabbath-- not "A" Sabbath (as if 'we' can switch it to our own day of preference). YHWH has made a way for us to enjoy the blessings of the abundant life He has given... and that "way of life" is revealed to us in His Torah.
Next we find it in Leviticus 19:2-3;30... and in Leviticus 23:2-3 it is included in the feasts of YHWH. In Leviticus 25:1-22 it gives the "Sabbath rest" to the land, and also the "Jubilee", and is repeated in Leviticus 26:2. In Numbers 15:32-36 we see a record of someone breaking the Sabbath commandment of YHWH, and YHWH told Moses that the man had to be put to death... then YHWH told Moses to have the children of Israel to put fringes (tassels/tzit tzits) on the borders of their garments, with a ribband of blue, to REMEMBER all of YHWH's commandments and DO them.
Finally, in Deuteronomy 5:12-15... so, over and over we see the importance of YHWH's Shabbat (Sabbath). If it has been observed from the beginning, and will be observed in the future... (Isaiah 66:23-24) "WHY" is it not observed now ? YHWH said to keep "THE" Sabbath-- not "A" Sabbath (as if 'we' can switch it to our own day of preference). YHWH has made a way for us to enjoy the blessings of the abundant life He has given... and that "way of life" is revealed to us in His Torah.
WHEN *is* the Sabbath?
Determining "when" the Sabbath IS should be fairly obvious and simple... however, I have come to realize that it is a VERY controversial subject-- not just deciding if it is Saturday or Sunday, but deciding if it should be calculated according to the modern calendar that is used today or if it should be calculated according to the cycle of the moon. I think "EVERYONE" agrees and knows that the Sabbath is the 7th day of the week. Work six days and rest on the seventh day... but the controversy lies within determining WHEN the 7th day *IS*... That sounds funny, doesn't it? "WHEN *IS* the 7th day of the week?" No, it is *not* a trick question :D Then it is OBVIOUS that the 7th day of the week is the SEVENTH day of the week-- that being Saturday. Simple enough! ;) WRONG.....
It has taken me a little while to come to the point I am now, so I understand if people can't grasp it or readily accept it. I also see no need to cause division over a difference of understanding, perception, or interpretation... but I can only express *MY* point of view and how *I* have come to understand things, so I am :)
It has become clear to me that if one determines the months of the year by the moon, then one can only determine the days and weeks of those months BY THE MOON. And if one determines all the other feasts of YHWH by the moon, then one can only determine the Sabbath BY THE MOON. HOW else could you? And WHY else would you? A simple study on the history of the modern calendar that is used today (and all the others used before it) CLEARLY shows the OBVIOUS ERROR in using IT to determine ACCURATE time-- days, weeks, months, and years. Comparing that knowledge (and logic) to the Scriptures, one gets a solid understanding that is in harmony (agrees). To get a Scriptural calculation of time, one MUST use the method YHWH established for that purpose... the LIGHTS in the SKY. The sun, moon, and stars were created for that purpose. They have been FROM THE BEGINNING, our calendars have NOT. Every Sabbath and feast day calculated by the cycle of the moon flows easily and perfectly into place with the instruction of YHWH and His Torah... they do NOT when you try to incorporate them into the modern day calendar...
I will stop here, knowing that MOST people have a very short attention span. But I will provide extra tabs on this page for those who would like *more* information and Scriptures on this matter :)
It has taken me a little while to come to the point I am now, so I understand if people can't grasp it or readily accept it. I also see no need to cause division over a difference of understanding, perception, or interpretation... but I can only express *MY* point of view and how *I* have come to understand things, so I am :)
It has become clear to me that if one determines the months of the year by the moon, then one can only determine the days and weeks of those months BY THE MOON. And if one determines all the other feasts of YHWH by the moon, then one can only determine the Sabbath BY THE MOON. HOW else could you? And WHY else would you? A simple study on the history of the modern calendar that is used today (and all the others used before it) CLEARLY shows the OBVIOUS ERROR in using IT to determine ACCURATE time-- days, weeks, months, and years. Comparing that knowledge (and logic) to the Scriptures, one gets a solid understanding that is in harmony (agrees). To get a Scriptural calculation of time, one MUST use the method YHWH established for that purpose... the LIGHTS in the SKY. The sun, moon, and stars were created for that purpose. They have been FROM THE BEGINNING, our calendars have NOT. Every Sabbath and feast day calculated by the cycle of the moon flows easily and perfectly into place with the instruction of YHWH and His Torah... they do NOT when you try to incorporate them into the modern day calendar...
I will stop here, knowing that MOST people have a very short attention span. But I will provide extra tabs on this page for those who would like *more* information and Scriptures on this matter :)
HOW to "observe" the Sabbath~
I can only tell you how our family observes the Sabbath at this point...
We like to "celebrate" the coming of the Sabbath the evening BEFORE, it's just *fun* :D And it's a part of our preparation. It becomes an exciting time as we anticipate the Sabbath :) We hang signs and banners, sing songs, light candles for our meal, have a fun dessert, and read Scripture passages. After our meal, we play games, have video game tournaments, or watch movies. We just try to rest, interact, and have fun together. We use this fun time to clear ourselves from the week and focus on the rest and refreshment that is to come. My husband and I don't want to loose our connection with our two boys at home as they grow older, and we want to encourage an excitement for and importance of the Sabbath in them. It's very nice and we all look forward to it :) {I have *special* items to use *just for this time and our Sabbaths*... candle holders, candles, napkins, etc. This is not necessary, just nice.}
We *sleep late* the following morning! YES!! *Sabbath Rest* :D We love that part, too ;) We work hard to prepare our house and our meals for the Sabbath so that we don't have to work-- or cause others to have to work. This includes having enough gasoline in our vehicle if we are planning to "go anywhere" and having picnic lunches instead of eating out. Adjustments that are fairly easy to get used to... being misunderstood or "judged" is a little harder :/ But all is worth the *Blessing* of the Sabbath :) After resting (sleeping later than usual), we have a pretty laid-back day... sometimes meeting with friends, sometimes going to parks or picnic places, sometimes having Torah instruction, sometimes not doing anything... we try to keep everything un-rushed and stress-free! It's a nice time.
As the sun goes down, I always feel a little sad... the Sabbath is ending and will be over when I awake :( But it will come again!! And that brings a little excitement in the preparation for the next one... and only six more days to prepare! :D I have come to LOVE the Sabbath! It has become a very special part of our life. I hope you, too, will enter into this beautiful time.
We like to "celebrate" the coming of the Sabbath the evening BEFORE, it's just *fun* :D And it's a part of our preparation. It becomes an exciting time as we anticipate the Sabbath :) We hang signs and banners, sing songs, light candles for our meal, have a fun dessert, and read Scripture passages. After our meal, we play games, have video game tournaments, or watch movies. We just try to rest, interact, and have fun together. We use this fun time to clear ourselves from the week and focus on the rest and refreshment that is to come. My husband and I don't want to loose our connection with our two boys at home as they grow older, and we want to encourage an excitement for and importance of the Sabbath in them. It's very nice and we all look forward to it :) {I have *special* items to use *just for this time and our Sabbaths*... candle holders, candles, napkins, etc. This is not necessary, just nice.}
We *sleep late* the following morning! YES!! *Sabbath Rest* :D We love that part, too ;) We work hard to prepare our house and our meals for the Sabbath so that we don't have to work-- or cause others to have to work. This includes having enough gasoline in our vehicle if we are planning to "go anywhere" and having picnic lunches instead of eating out. Adjustments that are fairly easy to get used to... being misunderstood or "judged" is a little harder :/ But all is worth the *Blessing* of the Sabbath :) After resting (sleeping later than usual), we have a pretty laid-back day... sometimes meeting with friends, sometimes going to parks or picnic places, sometimes having Torah instruction, sometimes not doing anything... we try to keep everything un-rushed and stress-free! It's a nice time.
As the sun goes down, I always feel a little sad... the Sabbath is ending and will be over when I awake :( But it will come again!! And that brings a little excitement in the preparation for the next one... and only six more days to prepare! :D I have come to LOVE the Sabbath! It has become a very special part of our life. I hope you, too, will enter into this beautiful time.
Challah Bread
by Elizabeth Meyer 6-8 cups flour 3/4 cups water 2T yeast 2T salt 4 eggs 1 1/2 cups brown sugar Combine and add flour until it doesn't stick to the bowl.Let rise until double. Punch down, divide and braid. Let rise again. Glaze with a whole egg and 2 T sugar. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 min. |
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