Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

“Remember the Shabbat day, to set it apart.”
— Shemot (Exodus) 20:8, TS2009

When Everything Changed

I remember when everything changed as I began keeping the Shabbat (Sabbath).
My love for others grew, my understanding of Scripture deepened, and my desire to love Avinu Elohei and my neighbors increased.

I became more forgiving, content, and peaceful. I never knew true shalom before.
Life now is more abundant.

This transformation came from choosing to believe what Scripture truly says — “forever” and “throughout all your generations” — and from separating myself from popular traditions to walk the ancient path Y’hovah established from creation.

“For from the earliest times, Moshe has had in every city those who proclaim him, with his words being read in the synagogues every Shabbat.”
— Ma’asei (Acts) 15:21, CJB

Moshe’s teachings are read and learned every Shabbat, giving time for fresh revelation and renewed understanding each week.

What Shabbat Is

The Shabbat is not just a command — it is a relationship, a sign, and a delight. It is the sacred rhythm of creation itself.

The Scriptures describe it beautifully:

• A blessed day — “And Elohim blessed the seventh day and set it apart.” (Berĕshith [Genesis] 2:3, TS2009)
• A commandment — “Remember the Shabbat day, to set it apart.” (Shemot [Exodus] 20:8–10, TS2009)
• A covenant — “Truly My Shabbats you are to guard, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” (Shemot [Exodus] 31:12–17, TS2009)
• A sign — “And I also gave them My Shabbats, to be a sign between them and Me.” (Yeḥezqĕl [Ezekiel] 20:12, TS2009)
• A delight — “If you do turn back your foot from the Shabbat, from doing your pleasure on My set-apart day… and shall call the Shabbat ‘a delight.’” (Yeshayahu [Isaiah] 58:13, TS2009)
• A day of rest remaining today — “So there remains a Shabbat-keeping for the people of Elohim.” (Ivrim [Hebrews] 4:9–11, TS2009)
• A sanctified day — “And Elohim blessed the seventh day and set it apart.” (Berĕshith [Genesis] 2:2–3, TS2009)
• A demonstration of love — “If you love Me, you shall guard My commands.” (Yochanan [John] 14:15, TS2009)
• A day made for man — “The Shabbat was made for man, not man for the Shabbat.” (Markos [Mark] 2:27–28, CJB)

“Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who becomes strong in it, guarding the Shabbat lest he profane it, and guarding his hand from doing any evil.”
— Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 56:2, TS2009

The Gift of Shabbat

Shabbat is not a burden — it is a gift of love from Y’hovah. It was not given to restrict us, but to restore us. On this day, our bodies rest, our souls breathe, and our hearts reconnect with the Creator.

It is a weekly mo’ed (appointed time) when heaven touches earth — a foretaste of the eternal rest promised in the Kingdom.

When we honor Shabbat, we declare with our lives that Y’hovah is our source, not our labor. We cease from striving and remember that He alone sustains us.

Shabbat teaches us to trust.

When Is the Shabbat?

The Shabbat begins at Friday sundown/last light and ends at Saturday sundown/last light.

It is the seventh day, established from creation and sanctified by Y’hovah Himself.

What Should We Avoid on Shabbat?

Shabbat is a day of rest and holiness, not of ordinary work or worldly distractions. The Torah teaches us to refrain from:

• Work or labor (Exodus 20:10)
• Cooking — prepare meals before Shabbat (Exodus 16:23)
• Buying or selling (Neḥemyah 10:31)
• Strife or argument (Yeshayahu 58:13–14)

These things rob us of the peace Y’hovah intends.

How Should We Honor Shabbat?

• Rest physically — Set aside work and worldly care.
• Study Torah — Let the Word of Y’hovah fill your home.
• Pray and worship — Draw near to Y’hovah in joy and gratitude.
• Show kindness — Treat others with peace and compassion.
• Delight in His presence — Make the day distinct and holy.

Each of these actions honors the Creator’s purpose for His sacred day.

“Then you shall delight yourself in Y’hovah, and I shall cause you to ride on the heights of the earth and feed you with the inheritance of Ya‘akov your father.”
— Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 58:14, TS2009

A Prayer of Shabbat Thanksgiving

Father in Heaven, Avinu Elohei, יהוה,
Thank You for all the blessings in our lives.
Thank You for giving us the chance to return to You, for Your patience, and for Your lovingkindness.
Thank You for Your Word, and for opening our eyes to its wonders.
Thank You for Your Shabbat — for the shalom and restoration it brings on Your appointed day.

Blessed are You, Y’hovah, Creator of heaven and earth,
Who brings forth all good things in their season.
There is none like You; Your steadfast love endures forever.
Bless Your holy Name, Y’hovah, and may our rest be found in You.

Hallelu-Yah, Shabbat Shalom!

By Rabbi Francisco Arbas — Netzari Mashiach Judaism
www.netzarim-talmidim.org