Читать книгу A Jewish Journey - Sheldon Cohen - Страница 16

Six days shall you labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord, and that day you shall not work, neither you, nor your son, or daughter, nor any of your servants, nor your cattle, nor the stranger that is within your gates.

The Sabbath was a day of rest for all people and animals as well. From Friday night at sundown to Saturday night at sundown, the day was kept holy, because as Moses told the Israelites, God blessed this day as a symbol of creation.

From Monday to Thursday the Jews worked and earned their living, but on Friday morning, Jewish women started preparing the Sabbath meal of soup, fish, fowl and hallah. This was the most important meal of the week, and they would save whatever scraps of food they had in order for the meal to commemorate the start of this holy day.

The Sabbath, was the time when all work stopped for a God directed day of rest, and the Shtetl residents praised the Almighty for their heritage and for the health of their families and for allowing them another week of life. Then the men of the family, including young sons, went to the synagogue for prayers.

Rabbi Shepsel and Anna took great pains to prepare for the Sabbath and awaited its coming with joy and anticipation. Three-year-old Jacob understood the significance of the day and the preparation involved prior to its arrival.

After morning synagogue services this was a day they kept to themselves, so it was a surprise when the rabbi heard a knock on his door. The surprise turned into fear when he opened the door and found Evgeny Kolakoff standing there. Instead of his usual scornful look, he had a serious, thoughtful expression.

“Good afternoon, Rabbi.”