With the development of technology, the question of why it is forbidden to light a lamp on Shabbat or boil water for coffee began to be heard more and more, when these actions were so easy and simple. The basis of the question was the assumption that the prohibition of lighting a fire stemmed from the difficulty and effort involved in this action in ancient times, but in our time, when it is done easily and simply, why should it be prohibited.
The truth is that this assumption is wrongly founded. The conventional description of fire that was ignited in the past by striking stones together is perhaps true for the most primitive human societies. In our region, as early as 3,500 years ago, people were lighting fires using much more convenient methods. Every home had a special vessel in which a hot ember was kept (capable of holding fire for a long time), and lighting a fire from it was no more difficult than lighting a stove today. Hence, the reason for the prohibition of lighting a fire on Shabbat is not related to the degree of effort involved.
Operating devices these days has become even easier. There's no longer even a need to lift a switch. We now operate devices with the light touch of a finger. But it's only now that we all understand how essential a break from technology on Shabbat is for our mental health.
Slaves of technology
Technology has brought immense blessings, but at the same time it has created a difficult slavery. It has made us all its slaves. We are enslaved to the media, the computer and the mobile phone. The family sits down for dinner, but instead of talking peacefully and sharing with each other the events of the day, the members of the household are preoccupied with the phones in their hands. Few manage to establish rules that require disconnection from electronic devices even during family mealtime.
That is why, in our own day, we feel the immense blessing of Shabbat – a whole day without technology, without interruptions, without distractions. Suddenly, we are once again sane people, able to sit comfortably at a family meal, talk to each other, study, read. There are no interruptions, no signals from emails or text message alerts. The hand is not automatically sent to the 'mouse.' Silence, calmness, and serenity descend upon us.
Shabbat is intended to bring man to a type of rest that is completely different from simple human rest. Shabbat rest is not just rest of the body, but primarily rest of the soul. On this day we completely detach ourselves from all the mundane concepts of everyday life and move into a noble spiritual world. A world of study and prayer, of singing and holiness. We have no worries: not the stock market, not the business, not the car, not the garden that needs care, not the burned-out light bulb on the balcony. Shabbat today. Holy to God.
Uplifting detachment
It is precisely the complete detachment of a person from mundane affairs on the Sabbath that elevates him to supreme rest and fills his spiritual batteries, as nothing else can do. To reach this feeling, one must enter into the depths of the Sabbath; cleanse the mind and heart from everyday worries; enter into prayer, Torah, the weekly portion, and so on. Only then do one feel how wonderful it is.
To feel the true essence of the Sabbath, one must understand its true meaning and truly apply it, as "a day of rest and holiness... a rest of peace, quiet and security; a complete rest that you desire.".
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
