This guide for connection and discussion is provided through a collaborative relationship with www.ValuesandEthics.org. Intended for parents, they can be utilized by educators in formal and informal environments to connect Torah topics to children's lives in meaningful ways.

Families lead busy lives. Life is filled with work, homework, sports, lessons, running a household, etc. Often it seems there isn’t a moment to breathe. A moment to just stop and say “I’m here” and that’s enough.

In this Torah portion Moses tells the people that they are commanded to set aside the seventh day as a day of complete rest. It is a day in which no productive labor is allowed, a day in which the emphasis is put on “being” instead of “becoming” or “having”.

Think about your own life. Is there enough time and room for simply stopping and being with one another? Stop now and take a breath. See how that feels. Think about ways to incorporate rest into the busy life of your family. Some families choose to put aside a day of the week and celebrate the Sabbath as a day of rest. Others pay attention to the principle of the day and figure out where to find the resting moments in life.


TALK TO YOUR KIDS about the concept of purposeful resting every seventh day, emphasizing “just being” over “doing”.

CONNECT TO THEIR LIVES:

• Do you find time to rest and relax?

• What does it mean to you to rest? Does it mean spending time with family or friends? Does it mean playing a game or reading a book?

• Which activities best put you at ease after a day or week of busyness?

• What is one thing your family could do to promote “rest” each week?

By Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses

Values & Ethics—Through a Jewish Lens is created by Fred and Joyce Claar to bring the wisdom of Judaism into family discussions.