The Nature of Shabbat The Sabbath (or Shabbat, as it is called in Hebrew) is one of the best known and least understood of all Jewish observances. People who do not observe Shabbat think of it a day of prayer like the Christian Sabbath. But to those who observe Shabbat, it is a precious gift from G-d, a day of great joy eagerly awaited throughout the week, a time when we can set aside all of our weekday concerns and devote ourselves to higher pursuits. In Jewish literature, poetry and music, Shabbat is described as a bride or queen, as in the popular Shabbat hymn Lecha Dodi Likrat Kallah (come, my beloved, to meet the [Sabbath] bride). It is said "more than Israel has kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept Israel." Shabbat is the most important ritual observance in Judaism. It is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments. It is also the most important special day, even more important than Yom Kippur. This is clear from the fact that more aliyot (opportunities for congregants to be called up to the Torah) are given on Shabbat than on any other day. Shabbat is primarily a day of rest and spiritual enrichment. The word "Shabbat" comes from the root Shin-Beit-Tav, meaning to cease, to end, or to rest. Shabbat is not specifically a day of prayer. Although we do pray on Shabbat, and spend a substantial amount of time in synagogue praying, prayer is not what distinguishes Shabbat from the rest of the week. Observant Jews pray every day, three times a day. See Jewish Liturgy. To say that Shabbat is a day of prayer is no more accurate than to say that Shabbat is a day of feasting: we eat every day, but on Shabbat, we eat more elaborately and in a more leisurely fashion. The same can be said of prayer on Shabbat

Students read how the disagreements about the Sabbath led to conflict. Students discuss the rules surrounding Sabbath activities in the UK today — limitations on opening hours, etc. Teacher explains the rules that many Jews in the time of Jesus followed regarding the Sabbath, using an appropriate textbook. Students discuss how they would feel if everyone they knew, regardless of belief, was asked to behave in this way today. Students identify at least four ways that this reference could be linked to attitudes to social and community cohesion today.

On a new page, miss the top two lines and… List as many things as you can that you do on a Sunday

Disagreements about the Sabbath 1st November 2010 Describe conflicting views about the Sabbath Explain why these disagreements led to a problem for the Pharisees

The seventh day is a complete Sabbath, holy to the L-RD The seventh day is a complete Sabbath, holy to the L-RD ... it is an eternal sign that in six days, the L-RD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. -Exodus 31:15-17

What are we aiming to do? Read the passage (green and blue box) Answer questions How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees? Read page 34 How do Christians respond today

Mark 2: 23-28 What is the Sabbath? The Jewish day of rest on the seventh day of the week. How do you remember the Sabbath day? By keeping it Holy, meaning you shall do no work. Who are the Pharisees? A religious group whose aim was to keep the traditional Jewish faith alive What were the disciples doing on the Sabbath? Picking heads of grain as they and Jesus walked through the grain fields How did the Pharisees respond? They asked why they were doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees (Use page 35 sub heading to help) He explained that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, meaning human need was more important than keeping a law. Pleasing God is not just about rules and regulations but about peoples needs. EXT: Explain what happened in the synagogue. What did Jesus do and how did the Pharisees respond? What did they go out and do? It showed that the religious law was not going to stop Jesus doing ‘good’ and saving life

Activity 3 Working in pairs come up with a good explanation. I will be picking a pair at random to read theirs out. Remember to add in some key words.

What are we aiming to do? Read the passage (green and blue box) Answer questions How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees? Read page 34 How do Christians respond today?

How do Christians respond today? How are Christians today like the Pharisees? What is the problem for the U.K. Today?

Homework – due Wednesday Some Christians say that Sunday should be kept special and that no shops should be open. Argue for or against this view (using the work from today’s lesson).

Discuss - how would you feel if everyone you knew, regardless of belief, was asked to behave in this way today. Identify at least four ways that this lesson could be linked to attitudes to social and community cohesion today.