In Judaism, the Sabbath — like other commandments — is often something more to be endured than to be celebrated.
I always thought that when I got married and had a family that observing the Sabbath would be easier.
But David Suissa writes in this week’s Jewish Journal:
Circle Park is the beating heart of Beverlywood. On any Shabbat afternoon, the locals and their children will slowly trickle in and spend several hours just hanging out.
For families who don’t drive, watch TV or use computers on Shabbat, a park where kids can play and parents can schmooze is an ideal time-killer, especially during the long summer days.
It was the expression "time-killer" that got me. It’s a little more honest than the usual Jewish way of talking about the Sabbath. Or maybe it is an opportunity to say to one another, "Poor David Suissa. He doesn’t understand the holiness of the Sabbath. The opportunities of the Sabbath. Perhaps someone should m’karev (bring closer) him."
