A Practical Way To Start Shabbat Observance

“If Shabbat seems like a daunting undertaking, remember that in Judaism it’s not ‘all or nothing.’ Even one moment of consciously refraining from doing melacha on Shabbat is a powerful opportunity to get in touch with yourself and God.

How to start? Have your friends over for Friday night dinner. Light the candles, make Kiddush, sing some songs, and share words of Torah…

But make one rule: No outside entertainment. No radio, no television, no telephone, no internet. Try it for a few hours, and increase the amount of time as you feel more comfortable. The key is to relinquish control of the universe and get in touch with the Almighty.

Finally, here’s an exercise that can really get you in the mood. At sundown this Friday, take a minute and do the following: Clench your fists tight for 60 seconds. Then let go.

That, my friends, is Shabbat.”