The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua
Heschel
Not Just For Jews
Elegant, passionate, and filled with the love of Gods creation, Abraham
Joshua Heschels The Sabbath has been hailed as a classic of Jewish
spirituality ever since its original publication-and has been read by
thousands of people seeking meaning in modern life. In this brief yet
profound meditation on the meaning of the Seventh Day, Heschel
introduced the idea of an architecture of holiness that appears not in space
but in time Judaism, he argues, is a religion of time: it finds meaning not in
space and the material things that fill it but in time and the eternity that
imbues it, so that the Sabbaths are our great cathedrals.
Personal Review: The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Rabbi AJ Heschel's book, "The Sabbath" is a short, but densely profound
book. Even if you know the abriged version, i.e. the thesis, themes and

reasoning, the religiously philosophic prose not only captures the author's
feelings for/about Shabbat, but can also be a vehicle for self-reflection. I
was aware of the books themes, arguments, and many of its sources, but
during and after the reading my Shabbat experience has become more
intense and fulfilling. R. Heschel crafted a work that is more than just for
learning, but for practice and self-refinement.
Also, given the great obsession with things & space in our culture and time
(especially with an ailing economy), this book can perhaps help remind us
of the human need for sacred/sanctified time. A couple times directly, but
mostly indirectly it also relates to us that our "rest" is often not truly restful
since we neither are defining it according to the whole human condition nor
are we sanctifying time or things correctly - at least when rest proves
ineffective.
While I do not share as much of R. Heschel's mystical/Chassidic bent, I still
find (as I usually do) much practical wisdom in regards to the human
psyche & condition. That said, one can apply such wisdom without
literalist interpretations and in context that nuances are crucial to a more
complete understanding which evolve through time, behavior, and study
(i.e., though for instance it is wrong to be sad on Shabbat and yom tovim,
what do we do in those times when we are or a loved one has passed
recently - in these instances, we learn more about the wisdom and why we
are commanded to be happy). Minor hashkafic and halakhic quibles aside,
the book is a true gem and a blessing for welcoming, keeping, and
observing Shabbat.
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