March is Chapter 3 - Rest!

This month, we encourage members of our congregation to read or reread Chapter 3 of God’s To-Do List. We seek, in this way, to promote a concept of community learning and doing as we learn from each other’s stories, share ideas, and extend our sense of connection to one another and Jewish tradition. If you have not yet received a copy of this book, you may pick one up at the CBI office.

Chapter 3, Rest, teaches us that rest restores our strength to continue to do God’s work. It also teaches us that the biblical notion of a Sabbath day is one of the greatest gifts given to humankind. “In an era where everyone in the family is exhausted from school, work, lessons, sports, and endless carpools, time off just to be together is one of the greatest gifts you can give each other.” God knows you need some rest – take it!

Ideas for God’s To-Do List – Rest

1. Give yourself a break – take a day off once a week.

2. Put aside your unfinished business and leave the world as it is on the Sabbath.

3. Turn off the computer and cell phone for twenty-four hours; the e-mail and voice mail can wait.

4. Take a walk; if you see flowers, stop and smell them.

5. Take a nap in the middle of the day on your day of rest.

6. Join your spiritual community at your place of worship on the day of rest.

7. Make sure your family and friends are getting rest – and if they’re not, offer them respite so they can take some time off.

8. Invite family and friends to share a Shabbat meal.

9. Pray, sing, study, snuggle – for a whole day!

10. Plan a vacation. Take it. Leave your laptop at home.