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Answer:
Gates of the Seasons, the American Reform Movement's guide to the
Jewish Year, views Shabbat as a unique Jewish contribution to
civilization, and a central activity to surviving the forces of
assimilation and corruption. As such, it calls out the following
mitzvot for Reform Jews:
A-1
The Mitzvah of Shabbat Observance
It is a mitzvah for every Jew, single or married, young or old,
to observe Shabbat. The unique status of Shabbat is
demonstrated by its being the only one of the holy days to be
mentioned in the Ten Commandments. ... Shabbat observance
involves both positive and negative mitzvot, i.e., doing and
refraining from doing.
A-2
The Mitzvah of Joy
IT is a mitzvah to take delight in Shabbat observance, as
Isaiah said, "You shall call Shabbat a deligh". Oneg implies
celebration and relaxation, sharing time with loved ones,
enjoying the beauty of nature, eating a leisurely meal made
special with conviviality and song, visiting with friends and
relatives, taking a leisurely stroll, reading, and listening to
music.
A-3
The Mitzvah of Sanctification
It is a mitzvah to hallow Shabbat by setting it apart from the
other days of the week. ... Shabbat must be distinguished from
the other days of the week so that those who observe it may be
transformed by its holiness.
A-4
The Mitzvah of Rest
It is a mitzvah to rest on Shabbat. However, Shabbat rest
(menuchah) implies much more than refraining from work. The
concept of Shabbat rest includes both physical relaxation and
tranquility of mind and spirit. On Shabbat, one deliverately
turns away from weekday pressures and activities.
A-5
The Mitzvah of refraining from work
It is a mitzvah to refrain from work on Shabbat...Abstinence
from work is a major expression of Shabbat observance; however,
it is no simple matter to define work today. Certain activities
that some do to earn a living, others do for relaxation or to
express their creativity. Clearly, though, one should avoid
one's normal occupation or profession on Shabbat whenever
possible and engage only in those types of activities that
enhance the joy, rest, and holiness of the day.
See Gates of the Seasons for additional details. Note support for
Shabbat is also in the [5]1999 Statement of Principles
([6]http://www.ccarnet.org/platforms/principles.html), which says:
We bring Torah into the world when we seek to sanctify the times
and places of our lives through regular home and congregational
observance. Shabbat calls us to bring the highest moral values to
our daily labor and to culminate the workweek with (kedushah),
holiness, (menuchah), rest and (oneg), joy.
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Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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