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Charlie describes the first story in the Torah, of the creation of the world by the Almighty. From this story comes the idea of a day of rest after 6 days of work, the day called Shabbat. Jewish people follow the Ten Commandments – keeping Shabbat holy is one of these Commands, part of the Jewish agreement with the Almighty. Charlie, 11, likes lots of things about Shabbat – playing games, candles, no homework, singing, family gathering, chicken dinner, bread and juice, time to talk, an extra meal, time to ponder, a fresh start for a new week. That’s at least eleven things to like! He has a list of things to avoid: cooking, turning on the oven, TV, the XBOX. Some of this is a ‘bit tempting’ for Charlie, but he likes the special day for other reasons.
Shabbat includes family prayers, bread and wine, and above all time away from the busy life. It’s different from the other ordinary workaday days of the week: rest has a special place in Jewish life.