Oral Law -@zoedress

Zoe Dressner

Oral Law (תושב''ע) Assignment

 “Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19).

I chose this mitzvah because I think that especially in today’s chaotic society, it’s imperative to take time to appreciate our surroundings and reflect on life. Shabbat is so important because it happens so often and is very much an integral part of Jewish life.  While it is a time to come together as a community and take part in prayer, I think Shabbat is also a personal time to turn to the previous week and think about actions we’ve taken or not taken and how we can improve and learn from our recent experiences. Observing the Sabbath not only allows us to pray and reflect, but also to relax and feel no weight and no obligation. The rules of keeping a strict Shabbat are clearly not always followed, but some of them can be modified to create an experience all the meaningful. Since it happens weekly, it has the potential to be extremely beneficial, which is why I chose this mitzvah out of the long, intriguing list.

Having “reverence for [God’s] sanctuary” can be interpreted in many different ways. Traditionally, I think it’s safe to assume that God meant a synagogue or place of gathering where people pray in a group setting, however I like to think of this part of the pasuk more leniently. If the earth is God’s creation, then I would stretch the extent of this “sanctuary” to nature.

On Shabbat, I try to limit my phone use and truly appreciate what’s around me. Leaving friends and noise behind, I feel I can really put myself into perspective compared to the world. Giving work a rest, even for just a few hours on Shabbat, I feel very connected to my surroundings and the “sanctuary” I’m able to find in nature.