S4 EP9 | The Sabbath as a Cultural Revolution

A Jew and a Gentile Discuss

In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk about how practicing a Sabbath rest each week is so counter-intuitive in our productivity-driven culture. They share some of their own challenges and practices and provide you with some interesting thoughts to ponder when considering embracing a weekly day of rest for yourself. No shame, no guilt – just some fascinating and inspiring conversation, including:

• The Bible’s first mention of a Sabbath rest
• The Jewish concept of the day beginning at sunset
• The greeting, “Shabbat Shalom”
• How you actually “cease” on the Sabbath
• Preparation, pre-decisions and purpose
• Reflecting and rejoicing on the Sabbath
• Feeling free to start small, if you’re new to practicing a weekly Sabbath rest

Along the Way

Along the way, you’ll also hear about:

• The first thing God called holy
• The Jewish concept of holiness
• How the Industrial Revolution affected our work life
• Do we start work from a place of rest, or work-work-work to earn rest?
• The Sabbath is a gift from God
• Two things Jewish people are to remember on the Sabbath
• What “building a palace of time” means
• The spirit behind one particular Sabbath “don’t” listed in the Bible and what we can take away from it to shape our own Sabbath days
• Some great questions and a lens to look through when considering what your own Sabbath might look like
• The idea of taking a weekly digital Sabbath (Gasp!)
• Jewish obligation, Christian invitation, and a gift to all

Words You Might Learn in This Episode

Bereshit, m’kadesh, kadosh, Shabbat, shevet, Shabbat Shalom, Sukkot

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode

Genesis 1, Genesis 2:2–3, Psalm 133:1, Exodus 20:9, Deuteronomy 5:12–15, John 19:14 and 42, Exodus 16:4–5, Exodus 30:8–11, Exodus 35:1–3, Matthew 11:30

Previous Episodes and Resources Mentioned

• S1 E8 – Sabbath: To Keep It or Not – That is the Question
• S1 E25 – Let’s Call It “Ezra’s Story”
• The Sabbath, book by Abraham Joshua Heschel
• Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, book by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, book by John Mark Comer

Thanks for listening!

Other Resources for You

Enter to win free coffee: www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org,

Learn more about Lost Tribes Coffee Co.: www.losttribescoffee.co

Consider financially supporting the podcast: www.jewishvoice.org/donate/wem/what-you-hear

Ask a question, give us feedback: www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org/contact/

Subscribe: Wherever you get your podcasts

Social media: Find us under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss.

Share us with your friends.

Leave a review on your favorite podcast app.

This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.