Torah Class - Day 24: Commandment 4: How to keep the Sabbath (conclusion)

Today, we finished our study of the 4th Commandment's Statutes. In short, we found the following:

• The Seventh day is the Sabbath, which is a Day, set apart for the focus and worship of Yahweh.
• Sabbath is a Day of rest from our common, weekly labors. So cooking, cleaning, and regular work is to be completed prior to the Sabbath.
• Sabbath is kept from sunset on Friday evening to sunset on Sabbath night.
• Sabbath is 24 hours long.
• We are to keep the Sabbath holy, and are to require Sabbath keeping for all who are under our jurisdiction (family, friends, guests, employees, working animals).

In addition to our study of what the Statutes require for Sabbath keeping, we were also blessed to read in Isaiah, where it tells us to "delight" in Yahweh on the Sabbath hours. In fact, there is a special blessing of Yahweh for those who do delight in Him, in this time:

Isaiah 58:13-14  "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy Day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of Yahweh, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in Yahweh; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the Mouth of Yahweh hath spoken it."

With this in mind, here are a few suggestions for ways to "delight in Yahweh" which may serve to help you get ideas for making righteous and meaningful traditions for Sabbath delight! Some of these ideas are from the chat in today's class (thanks for sharing!):

• I used to do a Sabbath box on Friday night with the kids. Where we had special treats and a study.
• Light Sabbath candles and put on Sabbath music to welcome the Sabbath, as sunset approaches.
• Make a plan of action for how to spend the Sabbath...  vary your plan... Here are a few wonderful things to do to keep the Sabbath:
• have a set time for personal worship and Bible study.
• have a set portion of the Sabbath for corporate worship, where you will join with like-minded believers for worship.
• prepare a special Sabbath meal to be enjoyed on the Sabbath hours.
• take a nature walk to worship the Creator and appreciate the beauty of the things He has made.
• plan a time for personal ministry: visit a shut-in person or do something to encourage someone else in their walk with God.
• Sing and pray
• Spend time delighting in Yahweh with your undivided attention.

Challah Bread can be a special part of bringing in the Sabbath. If you would enjoy adding Challah Bread to your Sabbath plans, here's a recipe we enjoy in our household:

Manfredine Family Challah Bread Recipe:

• 2 cups warm water or milk
• 2 pkgs dry active yeast
• 6-7 cups bread flour
• 1/2 cup organic sugar (or substitute honey)
• 1 t. salt
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 egg 

DIRECTIONS:

1. In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (careful of the temperature or it won't rise. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. You want 75-120 degrees.) Stir in sugar and salt. Add 3 cups flour and mix well. Add oil and egg and mix well. Then add remaining flour. (The dough will be a little sticky but don't add more flour.)

2. Wet a clean dish towel and ring it out. Cover the bowl of dough with the towel. Put the bowl in the refrigerator and let stand overnight.

3. When dough is doubled in size braid as follows:

Divide the dough into 3 pieces. Cut 1 piece into thirds; with your hands roll each piece into a 16 inch-long rope or snake. Place ropes side by side and braid as you would hair.

Pinch ends of braid to seal. Place on cookie sheet the bottom loaf. Repeat with another piece for another loaf. Cut remaining dough into 6 pieces; roll each into 17 inch-long ropes. Braid each set of three ropes as shown in figure; pinch ends to seal.

Place each smaller braid on top of a large braid; tuck ends of top braid under bottom braid stretching top braid if necessary.

4. Arrange loaves at least 5 inches apart on oiled or greased cookie sheet; cover and let rise in warm place until doubles in size. (Depending on your house temperature. Find a warm place.)

5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook bread for about 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush top and sides of loaves with butter. Let cool on wire rack.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The following is our class schedule for January, 2024:

Mon & Wed, January 22 & 24 - Torah Class will meet, as scheduled, live on Zoom, on both these days.

Mon & Wed, January 29 & 31 - Torah Class will meet, as scheduled, live on Zoom, on both these days.