Gut Shabbos!

It wasn't until several months after I started to attend services when I realized the individuals I encountered were saying Gut Shabbos --- as it is pronounced in Yiddish --- instead of Good Shabbos. But, the most common greeting on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is Shabbat Shalom. Either way, I'm happy it's Friday and I'm happy Shabbat is near.

Honoring Shabbat was one of the first things I embraced as I began to study Judaism. The idea of Shabbat as an island of time, a day away from the material things of this world, was/is appealing. In the beginning, before I'd ever attended services, I would prepare myself a lovely meal, light candles, say the proper blessings (as best I could), and usually spend the evening reading and simply appreciating life.

Once I started to attend services, the way in which I celebrated Shabbat shifted from week to week. Since I moved to New Orleans I haven't really settled into a rhythm with Shabbat. I'm not bothered by the lack of a set routine on Friday evenings. I do, however, want to start being more cognizant of the importance of this day. I want to use it as a means to shed the stress of the past week and to reenergize my mind, body, and soul.

Last week, a friend of mine and I planned to attend services at Temple Sinai. We were both looking for an intimate spiritual experience. The new Rabbi at Touro Synagogue, Alexis Berk, was set to be officially installed, so we figured services there would be too ceremonial for our liking. At the last minute, however, we realized Temple Sinai's services were joined with Touro Synagogue's to celebrate the installation. Thus, we opted to break bread and enjoy a glass of wine to welcome the Sabbath Bride in our own special way. It was a nice evening.

I'm not certain yet what I'll do tonight. There's a good chance I'll attend services. It's been a couple of weeks, and I think it's what my soul is yearning for. I will, undoubtedly, make Shabbat special in some way.

Gut Shabbos and Shabbat Shalom everyone.