There are many ways to observe ShabbatShabbat is the Sabbath day, the Day of Rest, and is observed from Friday night through Saturday night. Is set aside from the rest of the week both in honor of the fact that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. On Shabbat, many Jews observe prohibitions from various activities designated as work. Shabbat is traditionally observed with festive meals, wine, challah, prayers, the reading and studying of Torah, conjugal relations, family time, and time with friends., and taking 24 hours away from our devices (TVs, computers, smart phones, etc.) is one way to create a day of rest and peace. Here at Ritualwell, we asked our friends for ideas of how to mark this moment of unplugging. A blessing and ritual suggestions are below. Please feel free to comment with additional suggestions!
Blessing for Turning off Devices before Shabbat
By Elana Bell
Bless you/thank you (this/these) devices for all that you do to connect me to information, keeping me connected to people I love, allowing me to do my work in the world. I am grateful. And now is your time to rest so that I may rest and slow my thoughts and be fully present in this moment for the next 24 hours. Amen.
Rituals for Unplugging
1) Put a cloth/sheet over the computer
2) Put phones or other devices (also wallets, if you refrain from spending money) into a basket, decorated “Shabbat box,” or “cell phone sleeping bag”
3) Turn off devices right before Shabbat candle lighting
4)Â Text or call loved ones to wish them a special Shabbat Shalom right before you turn off the phone, so you can go into Shabbat having those close connections fresh in your mind
