- there are 70 faces to 
Post by alon on Nov 9, 2014 16:25:47 GMT -8
I had the pleasure of being invited over to someone's home after synagogue yesterday. We stayed until after nightfall, and so did havdalah there with them. It is always a treat for me, since I live in a divided household. Havdalah is one of those beautiful traditions which separate the holy from things of the world. It was very simple- the wine was home made from a jar, the spices were just put in a small bowl. But the br'achot were done by the woman of the house, as is her privilege; and done in both Hebrew and English. It doesn't have to be fancy to be wonderful. Of course we ate, and there was a lot of discussion, which was all the more meaningful as Rabbi S. was there too.
When we mark both the beginning and ending of Shabbat with br'achot, it marks the boundaries, and thus makes it more difficult for us to break Shabbat; at least to do so unwillingly. It also sets the mood for both Shabbat and for the rest of the week. After staying late and talking about scripture and the things of God, then wishing everyone 'shavua tov' it puts us in a frame of mind to seek the things of God all through the week.
One of the things Rabbi brought up was that when the Jews follow tradition and ritual in their daily lives, they are demonstrating 1Thes 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." These things are a constant reminder that we are set apart for God, just as His Shabbat is.
I know we can't all just buy a book and do everything it says. Even if we could, where would we find one that follows true Messianic halacha? And we aren't supposed to take everything on at once. Many, like myself, who live in divided households can't do everything anyhow. But we can learn from these traditions, glean their meanings and try to remember at the appropriate times. Those with no model to learn from will inevitably make mistakes, but the worst mistake is not to try or do anything! I promise, it does add to the experience, and is worth the effort, even if your experience is limited by circumstances. In fact, it may be even more important for those of us who are isolated than for others who have the blessing of a community. I was isolated for a long time, and believe me, the enemy has an easier time throwing obstacles at yu when there's no support!
Shavua tov!
Dan C
When we mark both the beginning and ending of Shabbat with br'achot, it marks the boundaries, and thus makes it more difficult for us to break Shabbat; at least to do so unwillingly. It also sets the mood for both Shabbat and for the rest of the week. After staying late and talking about scripture and the things of God, then wishing everyone 'shavua tov' it puts us in a frame of mind to seek the things of God all through the week.
One of the things Rabbi brought up was that when the Jews follow tradition and ritual in their daily lives, they are demonstrating 1Thes 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." These things are a constant reminder that we are set apart for God, just as His Shabbat is.
I know we can't all just buy a book and do everything it says. Even if we could, where would we find one that follows true Messianic halacha? And we aren't supposed to take everything on at once. Many, like myself, who live in divided households can't do everything anyhow. But we can learn from these traditions, glean their meanings and try to remember at the appropriate times. Those with no model to learn from will inevitably make mistakes, but the worst mistake is not to try or do anything! I promise, it does add to the experience, and is worth the effort, even if your experience is limited by circumstances. In fact, it may be even more important for those of us who are isolated than for others who have the blessing of a community. I was isolated for a long time, and believe me, the enemy has an easier time throwing obstacles at yu when there's no support!
Shavua tov!
Dan C
