Shabbat as a utopian ideal

The Jewish Chronicle - Shabbat as a utopian ideal:

The gift Judaism has given the world with regard to Shabbat and the Sabbatical year is, therefore, the idea that from time to time — weekly and every few years — we owe ourselves and one another the privilege of stepping outside the regular patterns that have come to define our work lives, wherein our days buzz with activity and are too often defined only by what we pursue each for our own benefit.  

But writing in “The Sabbath World,” Judith Shulevitz, opines, “[Shabbat] is not just a holy day of rest.  It is also a utopian idea about a more sociable, purer world.”  If so for a weekly respite, how much the more so for the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years! Perhaps, irrespective of where we may be in our calendar, it is time for our community to heed the two Torah portions we read this week.  Imagine, they instruct, what it could mean were we to decide to approach a day in the week ahead as Shabbat, and the year upcoming as a sabbatical from our regular routines.  Consider the rewards, our Torah enjoins, were we to determine to do what we do differently in the days and year ahead.  How much the better might our land and people might be were we willing to imagine our work and its rewards differently. 

Read more: The Jewish Chronicle - Shabbat as a utopian ideal 
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A Love Song for Shabbat

A Love Song for Shabbat | www.clal.org:
Clal Resident Tzemah Yoreh, Ph.D. has just published the first book in his Humanist Prayer Series. In A Love Song for Shabbat he attempts to add some spice toKabbalat Shabbat. It is intended for anyone who wishes that there were more prayers reflecting contemporary values, while at the same time remaining true to traditional cadences. Tzemah Yoreh relates ‘ Here you’ll find my original poetic compositions in Hebrew, introduced and translated (creatively) into English with notes for people who want to delve more deeply into their meaning. If some of these poems strike a chord, great! If none of the poems speaks to you, I still hope and pray that upon reading them you become mobilized to compose prayers that are as meaningful to you as these are to me.’..."
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In Watertown, Mass., prepping for Shabbat after a night of gunfire and explosions -

In Watertown, Mass., prepping for Shabbat after a night of gunfire and explosions - Jewish World News - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper:

As for Shabbat preparations, the family wasn’t going to let a lockdown get in the way of their Shabbat meal, which had become a sacred family tradition. They may not have the ingredients to bake their own challah, but Levy said she's making matzah ball soup, which “I think of as comfort food.”

Noting that they bless their children each Shabbat (an older daughter is away at college), Levy said, “blessing Noah this Shabbat will take on even more meaning given the events of last night and today in Watertown and the bombings on Monday at the Marathon. “When we kiss and hug Noah this evening, it will be a little tighter and longer,” she said.

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Sabbath Queen

http://www.chabad.org/blogs/blog_cdo/aid/2197602/jewish/Shabbat-Queen.htm
Natalia Kadish is a Surrealist artist inspired by the joy received from learning Torah and contemplating the infinite. She received a BA in Illustration from School of Visual Arts. Her art has been displayed in several concerts including Irving Plaza in NYC. While incorporating the realism of her father, Laszlo Kubinyi's illustrations she explores mystical concepts and understandings inspired by her visit to the Artist Colony in Tzfat, Israel. Her goal is to reveal the love in hearts and share her inspiration with all.
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Butter, Garlic, Goodness

Butter, Garlic, Goodness | The Jewish Week:
If you ever host a Shabbat meal or a dinner party, there are always special added touches that make things extra special. For me, one of those things is homemade bread. Rolls, challah, foccacia, are all nice, but garlic knots? Now those will disappear before your eyes in seconds.
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Springtime Shabbat: Poached Salmon with Minted Fava Mash – Jew and the Carrot – Forward.com

Springtime Shabbat: Poached Salmon with Minted Fava Mash – Jew and the Carrot – Forward.com:
I wanted to make a Shabbat meal that would celebrate springtime, a promise of what’s to come for those still shivering and seeking comfort food. So I came up with a light, healthy, clean meal bursting with the flavors of the season that can be served warm, room temperature, or even made ahead and served cold. The entire menu is parve and gluten free, so it can accommodate a variety of diets.

Read more: http://blogs.forward.com/the-jew-and-the-carrot/174529/springtime-shabbat-poached-salmon-with-minted-fav/#ixzz2Q6rmbCLS
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Ellen Frankel: Jewish 'Nones' and the Question of Choice

Ellen Frankel: Jewish 'Nones' and the Question of Choice:
In a world that demands options, religious institutions would do well to reexamine the experience presented inside its walls. When new choices are offered that speak to the rooted values of the tradition, nothing is lost while much is gained. And maybe some of those who have walked away because of too many closed doors will find options of pathways leading inside to the heart and spirit of their faith.
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