Aseret Hadiberot : The 4th. Commandment
"Zakhor Et-Yom Ha-Shabbat Le-Kadesho !!"
"Remember The Sabbath Day And Keep It Holy !!"
We want to take a moment of time and reflect on the kind of Shabbat that Elohim would have his people observe.
The Jewish/Israelite Faith, unlike the Christian/Presbyterian Faith regards the Sabbath Day as a Day of Joy and Celebration.
In most `Christian` Denominations their sabbath day (Sunday/First day) was/is to be held in an attitude of Strictness, Severity and Joylessness and for many accompanied by fastings as a sign of self-debasement.
(Fastings are Biblical but not usually held on Shabbat unless there is a specific requirement to do so)
Now, this is not a criticism of that kind of `sabbath-keeping` for that is how generations of Christians were taught by their Church-Leaders to observe the day. They were instructed that there was to be no show of hilarity or joy, but rather solemnity.
And children were by no means to be seen having fun or games on the christian `sabbath`
This attitude was very prevalent in Northern parts of Scotland and especially so amongst the strongholds of the Strictly Presbyterian Highlands and Islands, even in the second half of the 20th Century, and in some areas of Scotland is so, even today.
The Jewish Faith, on the other hand, hold the Shabbat (Seventh Day) as a Day of Joy, Gladness, Celebration, Feasting and Family Fellowship-Time.
The Jewish attitude to the Sabbath is the one which Elohim instructed His people to follow as recorded in His Eternal and Unchanging Word!!
"If you keep your feet from breaking Shabbat and from doing as you please on My Holy Day, if you call Shabbat a delight and Yah`weh`s Holy Day honourable, and if you shomer it by not going your own way and not doing as you please, or speaking idle words, then you will find your Joy in Yah`weh, and I will cause you to ride upon the Heights of the Land and to Feast on the Inheritance of your Abba, Yaakov"
(Yeshayahu 58:13-14)
And so, in order to know how God`s `Chosen People`, the Jews, celebrate the Biblical Sabbath we take this opportunity to invite you to join us in this exploration of Joy.
SHABBAT JOYS
`Laying A Little Groundwork To Prepare Us For Shabbat Observance`
In the Talmud, Shabbat is personified as a beautiful bride who would be greeted each week with joy. The Sabbath is also associated with the Shekhinah, the feminine Divine Presence.
Thus Jews often refer to the Sabbath as "she," not an "it." The first order of business as the daylight fades on Friday is to welcome the Sabbath like a treasured guest.
Many Jewish households prepare for her by cleaning the house, preparing a nice meal, bathing and dressing nicely.
Shabbat begins at Sunset on Friday evening and ends on Saturday night when three stars are visible in the sky (25 hours).
Shabbat is a time to remember the Creation of the Earth and all things, and reflect that on the Seventh Day Elohim rested from all His labours of Creation.
This Special Day is considered the most important of the Jewish holy days - even more important than Yom Kippur or other Holy, Shabbat Days and the three aspects or qualities that mark the Seventh Day Shabbat are..
`Rest` (menuchah),
Holiness (Kedushah)
Joy (Oneg).
And there are three main acts of worship regarding Shabbat Observance:
1. Lighting The Shabbat Candles
2. Saying Kiddush over Wine
3. Reciting HaMotzi over Challah
The Fourth Commandment in the Decalogue, to remember and observe the Seventh Day is the longest of the `Ten Commandments`.
We will do well to remember that this Sabbath Day of which we are commanded to observe (Exodus Ch. 20) is not only a Jewish Shabbat but is declared to be Yahuweh Elohim`s Shabbat, for in it`s entirety the Verse reads:
"Remember the Seventh day, to keep it Holy. Six days shall you labour and do all your work, but the Seventh Day is a Sabbath to Yah`weh your Elohim. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days, Yah`weh made Heaven and Earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the Seventh Day. Therefore Yah`weh blessed the Sabbath Day, and made it Holy."
8 Zachor et-yom haShabbat le-kadsho.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (set-apart).
9 Sheshet yamim ta'avod ve'asita chol-melachtecha.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 Veyom hashvi'i Shabbat la YHWH ELOHIM lo ta'aseh chol-melachah atah uvincha-uvitecha avdecha va'amatcha uvehemtecha vegercha asher bish'areicha.
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of YHWH your ELOHIM. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
11 Ki sheshet-yamim asah YHWH et-hashamayim ve'et-ha'aretz et-hayam ve'et-kol-asher-bam vayanach bayom hashvi'i al-ken berach YHWH et-yom haShabbat vayekadeshehu.
For in six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."
Did you note that the Hebrew word translated as `Remember` is Zachor and means to recall past events and experiences and renew and apply them to our present-day experiences in a sagely manner.
The word `Shabbat` is very strongly tied in with the verb `shavat` which means.. `to cease from`, `to rest`, or `to desist.` and is found in it`s first Biblical occurence in Beresheit (Genesis) ch. 2: verses 1-3.
"And He (Elohim) ceased (shevat) on the Sabbath (Shabbat) Day from all the works that He had done."
2:1 Vayechulu hashamayim veha'aretz vechol-tzeva'am.
The heavens and the earth were completed, and (so were) all their array.
2 Vayechal Elohim bayom hashvi'i melachto asher asah vayishbot bayom hashvi'i mikol-melachto asher asah.
Elohim completed by the seventh day His work which He had made, and He abstained on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.
3 Vayevarech Elohim et-yom hashvi'i vayekadesh oto ki vo shavat mikol-melachto asher-bara Elohim la'asot.
Elohim blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He abstained from all His work, which Elohim had created to do.
As we see, Elohim not only set apart and pronounced a `blessing` upon this Special Seventh Day but also set it apart from all other days in that He specifically ordained it as...
`Kadosh` ...`Holy` ... `Set-Apart`
He did this with no other day which He had created.
The Seventh Day, therefore is a Day of Celebration of Elohim`s Creative Role as Master Designer, Builder and Great Architect of the Cosmos and all Living Things.
Another thing very worthy of comment is that there is no mention of the Shabbat Day having an ending in Beresheith (Genesis) Ch. 2 vs 1-3.
All other six days have an evening and a morning but no mention of a Sunset for Shabbat.
This is a hint that when Moshiach comes His `Kingdom Age` will be an Eternal Shabbat where we shall have unending Fellowship with our Elohim.
In the Scroll of Ivrim (Hebrew) ch. 4 this Eternal Shabbat (Rest) is mentioned in connection with the weekly Seventh Day Shabbat, and that those who obey Torah and follow the weekly Seventh Day Shabbat, having come under Moshiach Yahshua`s Torah/Law (Mattityahu ch. 5 vs. 17-19) shall even now `enter into spiritual shabbat` (rest) and in the Age to Come shall be gifted Eternal Shabbat.
When we give serious contemplation and meditation to these Wondrous Truths then we can begin to recognise how Special this Seventh Day is to Yah`weh Elohim and from there begin to hallow, rejoice in, celebrate, magnify and praise our Great Creator for His Greatness and all the Great Works He has done., and especially so on HIS designated Day, the Seventh Day Sabbath.
Yahuweh Elohim has made all this possible by instructing us that no labour, no work, is to be done on this day, but our shabbat is to `Remember Yahuweh and His Creative Role`
He, without doubt, instituted it as such, immediately on creating all things, and has never once abrogated this Holy Act.
This 4th Commandment is repeated in Devarim (Deuteronomy) ch. 5 vs 12:
"Keep The Sabbath Day To Sanctify It."
"Shamor Et-Yom Ha-Shabbat Le-Kadesho"
The Hebrew word translated as `Keep` is Shamor/Shomer and means to `honour, protect, watch over and `guard something held in trust`.
So, not only are we called to `remember` the Seventh Day Shabbat, but we are appointed as it`s Guardians, It`s Trustees, to protect it`s Sanctity for Yah`weh holds It in great esteem for It is most valuable in His Sight.
When in the Fourth Commandment He calls us to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy, it is because He, Yahuweh Elohim made it so from the very beginning.
It was a Shabbat immediately after the 6 Days of Creation,
It was a Shabbat in Gan Ayden (Garden of Eden), is now and ever will be.
He wants us, expects us to `remember` and `observe`
Adahm in Gan Ayden was instructed to labour six days, which he did.
And Sacred Writ declares that Elohim `walked` in the cool of the Day with Adahm.
It may well be that after Adahm`s six days of labour, Yahuweh on Yom Shabbat blessed his first-created son with His Companionship and Fellowship as a joyous and pleasureous reward.
It is only when we too, as Yahuweh`s obedient children, remember, observe and shomer His Word, that Yahuweh will `walk with us, in the cool of the Day`
Avraham (many centuries after Adahm and many centuries before Moshe on Mount Sini`Yah) himself kept Shabbat, for we read that he `observed all the mitzvot (commandments), chikkum (ordinances) and Torahs (Laws) of Yahuweh` as we read in Beresheith (Genesis) ch.26 : 5,
5 "Ekev asher-shama Avraham bekoli vayi-Shmor Mishmarti, Mitzvotai, Chukotai ,Ve-Torotai."
"(All this is) because Avraham listened to My voice, and minded My Mandate, My Commandments, My Decrees and My Torahs."
...and all this, I say, long before it was given to Moshe on Har SiniYah and then delivered to the Children of Yisrael in Written Tablet Form.
Yahushua HaMoshiach Never Failed To Shomer Shabbat
We must never fail to remember that our Great Redeemer Ya`shua was the One who delivered the Written Torah (with it`s call to remember the 7th Day) to Rav Moshe on the Holy Mount, and that this shomering of the Torah was by Yah`shua`s own Word on Har Sini`Yah to be Le-olam Va-ed... Forever..Perpetual..and to Endless Generations.
For Indeed Yahushua Is The Living Torah !!
During Shabbat we spend precious, hallowed and quality time with our family and friends; We pray together, read Scriptures together and sing Shabbat psalms and hymns and spiritual songs together.
Candles are lit as a symbol of driving away darkness and welcoming the True Light of Ha Olam, our Moshiach Yahshua into our hearts and lives.
Kiddush (prayer acknowledging, affirming and honouring the Shabbat as a Set-Apart Day from all other days of the week) is said over the Cup of Wine which is a reminder that our `Great High Shabbat Yahshua` poured out His Redeeming Dahm to wash away our sins.
We recite HaMotzi (thanksgiving) over the Challah (bread) as we remember that Moshiach Yahshua is the `Living Challah` which came down from Heaven, and gave us to `eat of His Live-Giving Flesh.`
Shabbat is not a time of sadness or sorrow, of breast-beatings and fastings, of self-condemnation and penance, no..rather, it is a time of Joyous Celebration, of singing, dancing, praising, worshipping, reading Torah, Haf-torah (The Prophets) and Brit Chadasha (Renewed Covenant). A time of meditation and contemplation, of sharing a Fellowship-Meal and singing Zemirot (Shabbat songs around the table), of testifying to one another of Yahuweh`s grace and kindness to us during the week just gone, of communing with loved ones, family and friends, and, as with Adahm `walking with Elohim in the cool of the Day.`
Oh, What Joyous Fellowship, None Can Be Sweeter!!
Now that the groundwork has been laid, let us then enter into the Experience and Joys of Shabbat, thus....
Erev Shabbat - Shabbat Eve - Friday Sunset
The whole family having arrived home for the Sabbath evening, and the table set for the Sabbath meal, all now gather for the Sabbath blessings.
As earlier mentioned, Shabbat begins at Sunset on Friday evening.
Yahshua said,
"I Am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will not walk in Darkness, but will have the Light of Life."
SHABBAT CANDLES
are (usually) lit by the oldest woman of the home no later than 18 minutes before Friday evening sun-down (just before Shabbat begins).
A minimum of 2 candles are lit, corresponding to the 2 aspects of Shabbat mentioned in Exodus and Deuteron-omy, `Zachor`/Remember, and `Shamor`/Guard/Protect).
The Candles are lit before the Baruch/Blessing is said, for once she pronounces the Baruch she has accepted the Shabbat restrictions on herself, and would not, therefore be able to light the candles afterwards.
After lighting the candles, she waves her hands over the flames three times as a symbol of welcoming in the Shabbat and also of welcoming the Presence of the Triune Elohim. Then covering her eyes with her hands as a symbol of the Greatness of that Penetrating Light which has just come in, she recites,
"Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav ve-tsivanu lehiyot or le-goyim v`natan-lanu et Yahshua Meshicheinu ha-olam"
"Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His Commandments, and commanded us to be a light to the nations and who gave to us Yahshua our Moshiach, the Light of the World"
At this point, as the family are gathered around the candles, then sister, having lit the candles may also offer a silent or verbal prayer on behalf of her husband and children and the family home.
Then the family might sing together a psalm or spiritual song, a popular choice being
`Shalom Aleichem`...
Peace to You.` .... `Shalom Aleichem
Peace Upon You,
Malachey HaSharet, Malachey Elyon,
O Ministering Angels, Angels Of The Exalted One,
Mi-melech Malchey Ham-lachim, Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu,
From The King Who reigns Over Kings, The Holy One, Blessed Is He.
Bo-achem Le-Shalom,
Come In Peace,
Malachey Ha-Shalom, Malachey Elyon,
O Angels OF Peace, Angels Of The Exalted One
Mimelech Malchey Ham-lachim, Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu,
From The King Who reigns Over Kings, The Holy One, Blessed Is He.
Barchuni Le-Shalom,
Bless Me For Peace,
Malachey Ha-Shalom, Malachey Elyon,
O Angels OF Peace, Angels Of The Exalted One
Mimelech Malchey Ham-lachim, Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu,
From The King Who reigns Over Kings, The Holy One, Blessed Is He.
Tzet-chem Le-Shalom,
Depart In Peace,
Malachey Ha-Shalom, Malachey Elyon,
O Angels OF Peace, Angels Of The Exalted One
Mimelech Malchey Ham-lachim, Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu,
From The King Who reigns Over Kings, The Holy One, Blessed Is He. Amen.
FATHERLY BLESSING
Next, the father blesses their children by placing his hands on their heads or embracing them all, and reciting:
(For a son) "Yesimcha Elohim Ke Efrayim Vechi Menashe"
"May God make you as Ephraim and Menashe" (the two sons of Joseph)
(For a daughter) "Yesimech Elohim Ke Sara, Rivka, Rachel, Ve Leah"
`May God make you as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah`(the four matriarchs of the Bible).
He Then Recites The Aaronic Blessing Upon All (Bmidbar/Numbers Ch. 6 vs. 24-26)
"Ye-vareche-cha Adonai Ve-yeesh-merecha,
May Yahweh bless you and safeguard you.
Ya-er Adonai Panav Eleycha Vee-chu-necha
May Yahweh make His Face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
Yeesa Adonai Panav E-ley-cha Ve-yasem Lecha Shalom!
May Yahweh lift up His Countenance upon you and give you Shalom!"
The husband then honours his wife by reading from Proverbs 31:10-31, which begins...
"A virtuous woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies."
י
EREV SHABBAT KIDDUSH/FRIDAY NIGHT KIDDUSH...
`Call Yom Shabbat a delight and the Holy Day of Yahuweh honourable...` Yeshayahu 58:13.
Kiddush means `sanctification/set-apartness` and is the Baruch/Blessing said over the cup of wine on Shabbat and Holy Feast Days and is usually recited by the father or head of the household as he holds the Cup of Wine in his hands.
The Baruch begins with Beresheith (Genesis) ch. 1 vs.31 to ch. 2 vs.3 and ends with thanksgiving to Elohim for the Gift of the Holy Shabbat:
The Father/Head of the House now takes the Cup Of Wine in his hands and in blessing says:
Ch. 1v 3 : Vayar Elohim et-kol-asher asah vehineh-tov me'od vayehi-erev vayehi-voker yom hashishi.
G-d saw all that He had made, and behold it was very good. It became evening and it became morning, the sixth day.
Ch.2:v 1 Vayechulu hashamayim veha'aretz vechol-tzeva'am.
The heavens and the earth were completed, and (so were) all their array.
vs. 2 Vayechal Elohim bayom hashvi'i melachto asher asah vayishbot bayom hashvi'i mikol-melachto asher asah.
G-d completed by the seventh day His work which He had made, and He abstained on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.
vs. 3 Vayevarech Elohim et-yom hashvi'i vayekadesh oto ki vo shavat mikol-melachto asher-bara Elohim la'asot.
G-d blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He abstained from all His work, which G-d had created to do.
After this reading he then pronounces the 2nd. part of The Kiddush:
Savri maranan ve-rebanan ve rabotai:
By your leave my masters, rabbis and teachers,
Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam,
Blessed are You, Yah`weh our Elohim King of the Universe,
Borei pe`ri ha-gafen.
Who creates the Fruit of the Vine,
Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha -Olam,
Blessed are You, Yahweh our Elohim King of the Universe,
Asher kiddeshanu Be-Mitzvotai ve-ratza Vanu,
Who sanctified us with His Commandments and wanted us to be His Own,
Ve-Shabbat kodsho be ahavah uv`ratzon hinchlanu,
And with love and favour He gave us His Holy Sabbath as a Heritage
Zikaron le`ma`aseh Ve`reishit. (Ki Hu Yom) Techila
A remembrance of Creation. (For that day is) the Prologue
Lemikra`ei Kodesh, Zecher Litzi`at Mitzrayim.
to the Holy Convocation, A Memorial of the Exodus from Egypt.
(Ki vanu vacharta, ve-otanu kishdashta, mikol ha-`amim)
(For us You did choose, and us did You sanctify from all the Nations).
Ve-Shabbat kodeshecha be-ahava uv`ratzon hinchaltanu.
And (with) Your Holy Sabbath, with love and favour You did guide us.
Baruch ata Adonai me-kadesh ha-Shabbat. Amein
Blessed are You, Yahweh, Who sanctifies the Sabbath. Amen.
AFTER THIS BLESSING HAS BEEN PRONOUNCED THE CUP OF WINE/GRAPE-JUICE IS THEN SHARED AMONG ALL WHO ARE PRESENT
(Often each person has their own cup of wine which they drink from at this point)
Finally comes the Motzi...
the blessing over bread. The bread is usually two loaves of challah, (braided egg-bread). The two loaves are seen by some as representing the double portion of manna God gave the Hebrews in the wilderness, by others as signifying the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, and still others as symbolic of the 2 Houses of Israel, (the braiding/intertwining showing their unity of relationship), and by followers of Moshiach Yahshua as symbolic of His Sacrificial Body.
"Baruch ata, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Ha-Olam,
Blessed are You, Yahweh our Elohim, King of the Universe,
Ha-Motzi Lechem Me-en Ha-aretz.
Who brings forth bread from the earth."
Each person then breaks off a piece of bread, salts it (as the ancient sacrifices were salted), and eats one or two bites, and everyone shouts `Shabbat Shalom!` This phrase is heard throughout the Sabbath, beginning Friday afternoon.
The Sabbath Meal
Friday night dinner/supper is usually the most festive and tasty of the week. There are no particular specifications as to what can be served, except for the usual rules of kosher. After the meal, families often sing more songs.
Chicken Soup/Broth Is A Favourite
Jewish people, unlike Christians, usually say `grace` after they have eaten; Nor do they `bless` the food either, but rather acknowledge that Elohim is the one who provides for their sustenance.
The Prayer said after meals is called `Birkat Ha-amazon` and is quite a long prayer which includes several blessings. A shortened version is provided here (and is the first part of the entire blessing).
Only one person needs to say this blessing, as long as everyone else says "Amen" afterward:
"Baruch ata, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Ha-Olam,
Blessed are You, Yahweh our Elohim, King of the Universe,
Hazan et Ha-Olam Kullo Betuvo, Bechen, Bechesed, Uvrachamim;
Who nourishes the Whole World in Goodness, with Grace, Kindness and Compassion.
Hu notein lechem lekholbasar ki Le-Olam chasdo.
He gives bread to all flesh, for His Mercy endures forever.
Uvtuvo haggadoltamid lo chaseid lanu ve`al yechsar lanu mazon le-olam va-ed
And through His Great Goodness we have never lacked,
Ve`al yechsar lanu mazon le-olam va-ed
And we will not lack food forever,
Ba-avur Shemo Haggadol,
For the sake of His Great Name
Ki Hu Elzan umfarneis lakhol
For He is Elohim who nourishes and sustains all,
Um-eitiv lakol,
And does good to all,
Um-eikhin mazon lekhol b`riyotav,
And prepares food for all His creatures
Asher bara;
Which He created.
Baruch ata Adonai, hazan et hakol
Blessed are You Yahweh, Who nourishes all.
Amein.
Amen."
As mentioned, psalms and hymns and spiritual songs are sung around the table after the meal, and 2 favourites are:
YEDID NEFESH
BELOVED OF THE SOUL
Yedid Nefesh Av Ha-racha-man
Beloved of the soul, Merciful Father,
Meshoch Av-decha El Retzo-necha,
Draw Your servant to do Your Will,
Yarutz Av-decha Kemo Ayal
Your servant will run like a hart,
Yish-tacha-veh El Mul Ha-Darecha
To bow before Your Glory,
Yeehrav Lo Yedid-otecha
Your Friendship will be sweeter for him,
Mee-nofet Tzuf vechol Taam
Than nectar or any other taste.
(also)
Kabbalat Shabbat Song
Lecha Dodi Likrat Ka-lah,
Come my Beloved, to greet the Bride,
Peney Shabbat Neka-bela
The Sabbath presence let us welcome
Lecha Dodi Likrat Ka-lah,
Come my Beloved, to greet the Bride,
Peney Shabbat Neka-bela
The Sabbath presence let us welcome
Mizmor Shir Le-Yom Ha-Shabbat,
and
A Psalm, A Song for the Shabbat Day,
Tov Lehodot La-Adonai Ul-zamer Le-Shimcha Elyon,
It Is Good To Thank Hashem And To Sing For Your Exalted Name,
Leha-gid Baboker Chasdecha, Ve-eh-munat-cha Baley-lot;
To Relate Your Kindness In The Morning, And Your Faith At Nights,
Adonai Malach, Ge-ut Lavesh,
Yahweh Reigns, He Is Clothed With Majesty,
Lavesh Adonai Oz Hit-azar, Af Tikon, Tevel Bal Timot,
Yahweh Is Robed, He Girded Himself With Strength. The World Is Established, It Cannot Be Moved.
Nachon Kisah-cha Me-az,
Your Throne Is Established Of Old.
Me-Olam Ata.
Eternal Are You!"
In the Morning (Saturday), It being Shabbat, all make their way to Synagogue For The Special Shacharit (Morning) Service to hear the reading of Torah, Haf-Torah, The Prophets, singing and chanting and a Musaf (Additional) portion regarding the Musaf Sacrifices offered in the Temple;
And for Followers of Moshiach Yah`shua in their own particular synagogues, also readings from the Brit Chadasha (Renewed Covenant).
After Synagogue it`s home again for a further meal, fellowship, prayers, blessings and singing and qual-ity time with family and friends.
Saying `Goodbye` To The Sabbath Day
The Sabbath officially ends at nightfall on Saturday. In traditional families, a Havdalah (literally `separation`) ceremony is celebrated after nightfall, at home or in synagogue, in order to mark the distinction between the departing Sacred Day and the coming `ordinary` weekday. It consists of blessings over wine, smelling fragrant spices (like cloves), lighting a havdalah candle (a braided candle with two wicks together) and blessing the Havdalah.
Havdalah begins with the reciting of Biblical verses commemorating Salvation provided by Yahweh ie...
Hinneih El Yashua`ti,
Behold Elohim Is My Salvation,
Evtach Velo Efchad:
I Will Trust And Not Be Afraid,:
Ki-ozi v`zimrat Yah Elohim,
For Yahweh Elohim Is My Strength And My Song,
Yahweh Vaihili Li-Yashu`ah,
Yahweh Also Is Become My Salvation.
Ush`aftem-mayim be `sasson mi-ma`ainei Yashu`ah.
Therefore With Joy Shall You Draw Water Out Of The Wells Of Salvation.
(Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 12 vs. 2-3)
and also:
`Kos-Yeshu`ot Essa, Uv`shem Yahuweh Ekra.`
I Will Lift Up The Cup Of Salvation And Call On The Name Of Yahuweh.`
(Tehillim (Psalms) 116 vs. 13)
Just as the Shabbat is welcomed with Wine, so it is ended likewise.
As we lift up the Kiddush Cup we say the Blessing,
but do not at this moment drink from the Cup.
`Baruch Ata Yahweh Elohim Melech Ha-Olam Borei Peri Hagafen`
`Blessed Are You, Yahweh Our Elohim, King Of The Universe, Who Creates The Fruit Of The Vine.`
Blessing Over Spices
A special box of fragrant spices is used to represent the passing of the Shabbat, (usually cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves). These are then smelled to signify the Aroma of Sweetness of Shabbat from the ordinary smells of the weekdays.
Also for Followers of Yah`shua It is Representative of His Abiding Sweet-Smelling Savour. The following Baruch is said when smelling the Besamin Box (Spice Box) :
`Baruch Ata Yahweh Elohim, Melech Ha-Olam, Borei Minei Ve-Samim`
`Blessed Are You, Yahweh Elohim, King Of The Universe, Creator Of Different Types Of Spices`
Blessing Over The Fire
The Braided Candle (with several wicks) represents Light, The First Element mentioned in Beresheith (Genesis) at the beginning of the First Week of Creation.
It is also Representative of the Illuminating, Fiery Presence of Ruach Ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit),
And Being Braided It Represents The Oneness (Echad) of The Tri-Une Elohim.
`Baruch Ata Yahweh Elohim, Melech Ha-Olam, Borei Meo-rei Ha-Esh`
`Blessed Are You, Yahweh Our Elohim, King Of The Universe, Creator Of The Light Of Fire`
Finally, the last Blessing of the Havdalah Ceremony is the `Hamavdil`, the Baruch over the separation of different things.
We recite this Blessing over the Kiddush Cup with only the Light of the Havdalah Candle:
Baruch Ata Yahuweh Elohim, Melech Ha-Olam,
Blessed Are You Yahuweh Our Elohim, King Of The Universe,
Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol, Bein `or Le-choshech,
Who Distinguishes Between The Holy And Profane, Between Light And Darkness,
Bein Yisrael La`amim,
Between Yisrael And The Nations,
Bein Yom Ha-Shevi`i, Le-Sheshet Ye Mei Hama`asheh.
Between The Seventh Day, And The Six Days Of The Week,
Baruch Ata Yahuweh, Hamavdil bein Kodesh Le-Chol, Amein.
Blessed Are You, Yahuweh, Who Separates Between The Holy And The Profane. Amen.
After The Havdalah Blessing Is Ended, A Small Amount Of Wine/Grape-Juice Is Poured From The Kiddush-Cup Onto A Plate Signifying The End Of Shabbat. We Then Drink From Our Cup, Finally Extinguishing The Flame Of the Havdalah Candle In The Dregs Of The Wine-Cup. The Room Is Now In Darkness.
We turn on the Lights, (Shabbat now being ended)
And then sing `Eliyahu Hanavie` (Elijah The Prophet)
`Eliyahu Hanavie, Eliyahu Hatishbi,
Elijah the Prophet, Elijah the Tishbite,
Eliyahu Hagiladi,
Elijah the Giladite,
Bimherah Yavo Elenu, Im Mashiach Ben David.
May he soon come to us, with Moshiach, Son of David.`
Amein, Amein.
Then we wish everyone a `Shavuah Tov!` ... `A Good Week!` or...
Gute Voch!
(Yiddish/German for the same greeting).
Amein,
SHAVU`A TOV
HALLOW THE SABBATH DAY
Words & Music: Philip P Bliss, 1838-1876
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/mid/h/a/p/hail_happy_morning.mid
To Listen To Melody, Click Link Above...
Hail happy morning, Hail, Holy Day,
Calling from earthly labours away,
Sweet words of wisdom, glad songs of joy
Now be our best employ.
Refrain:
Sing once more the happy, happy song,
While the golden moments roll along,
“Come to the temple, come, come away,
Hallow the Sabbath day.”
Emblem of Heaven, Sweet Day of Rest,
In thy “remembrance,” may we be blessed.
So may our songs and lives ever say,
“Hallow the Sabbath day.”
Refrain
Rest from our labours, rest from our cares,
Rest in our praises, rest in our prayers,
The Commandment would we obey,
“Hallow the Sabbath Day.”
Refrain