A Lasting Covenant 

The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. — Exodus 31:16 

Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. This week’s Torah portion is Ki Tisa, which means “when you raise up,” from Exodus 30:11—34:35. 

Sabbath as a Lasting Covenant  

In this week’s Torah portion, the Sabbath, Shabbat in Hebrew, is called berit olam, “an everlasting covenant.” Shabbat is “an everlasting covenant” because every week we remind ourselves that what’s most important is everlasting. Very few commandments are called a “covenant.” Shabbat is a covenant because by stepping away from the day-to-day grind, turning off our smartphones, and spending time with family and neighbours, we reconnect with what matters most. And we do it every week. It’s a lifestyle. 

People wonder about the remarkable survival of the Jewish people, retaining our identity and lifestyle over thousands of years, scattered across the globe as a tiny minority with no power and no land. The real secret of Jewish survival is Shabbat.  

Your turn: Set aside your own Shabbat time, a weekly time with God, His Word, and those who are closest to you.