Although many of the aspects of Shabbat are geared mainly toward the Jewish community, including lighting candles, saying blessings, and maintaining halacha (Jewish law) prohibitions, there is still a way for goyim (non-Jews) to connect with a number of broader practices associated with this holiday. Rest, intention, and being present are universal ideals associated with observing Shabbat; they do not discriminate by faith. One example of this is creating a larger or more elaborate meal for dinner. Eating together in a deliberate way feels much more connected to each other than if you eat in a hurry. Another example is ceasing all work during this time, while “work” means different things to different people.
The definition of work in the Talmud is based on the 39 categories of labor used to build the Tabernacle (melachot). Writing, constructing, and lighting fires are some of these examples. Today, many people apply these same rules to how they live their lives, and they have begun to apply new interpretations of the laws of melachot by avoiding electronic devices or not using transportation. Either way, the underlying principle remains very powerful: choosing to consciously discontinue producing, while simply being alive for a defined period of time.
As I grew up, I felt that Shabbat was a holiday only for Orthodox Jews. It’s such a thing that keeps you from doing everything (phone calls, cooking, driving) for 25 hours every week, so why bother? I felt lucky that I had no obligation to observe it. My perspective changed a lot after spending my time in Israel. Living in a community where Shabbat has been incorporated into everyday life, it actually became less of a burden and more of a universal time-out. All the stores were closing, the communities would be coming, and people understood that this time of the week is different.
So, I tried Shabbat myself—not necessarily as strict as an Orthodox Jew; however, intentionally. What I discovered was healing through unplugging. Even if it was only for part of the time, it was like hitting a reset button. There were no notifications, social media, or trying to be busy, I was able to rest, in fact, not only physically but mentally.
Lowering the amount of time spent on screens correlates with better sleep, greater concentration, and lower levels of stress. Allowing yourself time away from your devices, even for a little while, allows you to regain your focus and gives your brain a chance to rest from being overstimulated by constant technology use (Corazon, Inc). Using your cellphone too much and being constantly connected leads to higher levels of stress and anxiety, while allowing yourself some time away from technology—even for short amounts of time—can significantly elevate your mood and overall well-being (APA).
In addition to traditional practices of Shabbat, partially unplugging—such as turning off your cellphone for a few hours, or avoiding work-related emails, or even just choosing to be present—can also yield observable benefits. In a culture where work efficiency and consistent connectivity are emphasized, taking care of yourself by resting may appear to be countercultural.
By providing a period of permission to cease all activity, the observance of Shabbat— whether in a traditional or more personal form— provides more than most people will find in other areas of their lives. In a society that never takes a break, that break may be all that is needed.