It’s an age-old part of the Jewish way of life that has the power to bring benefit far beyond the community.
Today, ahead of the weekend when Jews around Britain are encouraged by the ShabbatUK campaign to observe and celebrate the day of rest, the JC reveals special messages from stars and public figures about what it means to them.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the JC: “Shabbat is not just a time of religious reflection and prayer, it’s an opportunity for families, friends and communities to come together and bond through the traditions and stories of their ancestors.
“Shabbat Shalom to all those celebrating this weekend.”
Echoing the PM’s words, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who himself celebrates Friday night with his Jewish wife Victoria, said: “Shabbat spreads the positive message of taking a moment to appreciate our friends, family and neighbours.
As part of @Shabbat_uk, Labour leader @Keir_Starmer told the JC what Shabbat means to him. pic.twitter.com/3fOwF1no53
— The Jewish Chronicle (@JewishChron) May 12, 2022
“And in the busy lives we all lead, Shabbat is a wonderful time to just reflect.” He added: “Shabbat Shalom.”
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Sir Keir Starmer (Photo: Justin Setterfield)
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis emphasised how Shabbat can be an antidote to the strains of modern life.
In an article for the JC, the Chief Rabbi said: “There is no question that if Shabbat did not exist, we would have to invent it as a counterweight to our ever more hectic and congested lives.”
And writing about her personal approach to the tradition, actress Maureen Lipman said: “By the time I had laid out my slice of bread, my glass of wine and my candles the sun was setting in scarlet splendour over the ship canal…
“But I realise that He doesn’t mind my observance being eccentric. He just wants me to show up.”
Jewish TV star Robert Rinder told the JC: “For me the meaning of Shabbat is about simchah, about joy. So much of our lived Jewish experience is about the ‘oy vey’ that we forget to do the ‘oh yay!’”
