> Day of Days
Introduction

Day of rest. Day of freedom. First among the Holy Days. Shabbat is a day like no other. its essence is captured by the Friday night Kiddush, which in its introduction reminds us that after six days of Creation God rested and was renewed (shavat vayinafash) on the seventh. The Kiddush explains that Shabbat is also zeicher litzi'at mitzrayim—a remembrance of our Exodus from Egypt. The central story of our Jewish heritage is that once we were slaves but now we are free. The hallmark of our freedom is Shabbat.

Shabbat is also kadosh, sanctified: it is separate, an island in time. The Torah tells us that God set aside this special time before setting apart either a special place or a special people. Shabbat is that important. It is our day of days.

The rituals of Shabbat can strengthen family ties and enhance our children's appreciation of their Jewish heritage. Plus, making Shabbat together is fun. Yet today's families have hectic schedules that often seem at odds with the vision of a peaceful, spiritually uplifting Shabbat. Day of Days is designed to help families bridge the gap between the real and the ideal. Whatever your knowledge or observance, its songs and suggestions can help you craft a family Shabbat experience that is both meaningful and enjoyable.

May you and your family share the beauty of this day together.

Shabbat shalom,
Josh, Ken and Steve.

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