What Not To Do on the Sabbath

What sorts of things are we supposed to avoid doing on the Sabbath? The Bible gives us instructions to rest and not to work, but what does that look like, practically, for us today? I want to point out some specific things we aren't to do, because when I first started keeping the Sabbath there were many things that I overlooked. As with the post on what to do on the Sabbath, this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but rather a general guideline of Scripture's instructions surrounding the set apart day.

The Bible tells us that on the Sabbath day we shouldn't:

Work:

-Work professionally. Full time, part time, or as needed. This includes side hustles or any sort of gig. Whether you work for yourself or someone else, working should be avoided. See this post for information about how to stop working on the Sabbath.

-Do unnecessary household tasks. I'm talking about things like yardwork or doing the laundry or general cleaning, as well as tasks like balancing the checkbook or paying bills. These things could easily wait another day so that you can enjoy Sabbath rest.

-Work on special projects. This could be anything from party planning to blogging to helping someone move to finally hanging up that framed family photo.

-Promote your work or business. The Sabbath is not for professional networking or trying to solicit new business. Trust in YHWH to provide for your needs. 

Have someone work for us:

-Shop. If you go to a store or business then the employees are working on your behalf. Save your shopping list for another day.

-Hire help. If you need an electrician, plumber, etc. or if you pay someone to do yard work or to fix your vehicle, schedule that for a day that is not the Sabbath. I would also think twice before enrolling a child in dance class or art class that meets on the Sabbath, because the instructor would be working (not to mention that this wouldn't be very restful for you or your child).

-Run errands like going to the bank.

-Make appointments. Sabbath is not the day to call about getting an oil change or to set up a dentist appointment, etc. 

-Eat out. Going to a restaurant for a meal or coffee shop for a drink means that cooks, servers, baristas, etc. are working on your behalf.

-Give other people things to do. While there is nothing wrong with talking to friends and family, please be considerate of other people's day of rest and refrain from asking them to do things for you, whether that's look something up, email you information, or schedule an appointment. I know from experience that there is nothing relaxing about being asked to do some sort of errand or chore, even if the person doesn't expect you to do it until later in the week. Saving your requests for another day helps to promote a restful atmosphere for all.

I'd like to point out that these restrictions are for normal circumstances. The Messiah used the analogy of the ox in the ditch (Luke 14:5) to say that emergencies happen, and sometimes it is necessary to do something on the Sabbath that is not restful or ideal. If you are in need of the police, immediate medical care, etc. please do not hesitate to get the services you need!

The following are things not expressly ruled out by Scripture, but that generally don't lend themselves well to a day of rest. You can certainly choose to do these things if you wish, but consider if taking part in these is helping or hindering rest in your life.

A few more suggestions of things to avoid for a better Sabbath day:

-Spending the day on the internet. Is all of that time on social media doing you any favors? Does website hopping leave you feel refreshed or drained? Consider how your internet activity makes you feel, and see if YHWH is calling you to something better on the Sabbath.

-Watching the news. Tuning into the news is a great way to invite fear and anxiety into your life and home. Most of what the news covers has very little impact on our daily lives, and much of what is news today will be forgotten by tomorrow. Keeping the television shut off can make for a more peaceful atmosphere for your home.

-Stressing yourself out. Sabbath rest is a reminder that we depend on YHWH. Therefore, a great gift to give yourself and your family is to not ruminate on things that worry you, be that finances, needing to buy a new car, relationship trouble, or concern for a loved one. Instead of focusing on the 'what-ifs', redirect your thinking to remind yourself of YHWH's promise to work all things together for good. This post about how Scripture says to handle anxiety can help you to manage this.

-Trying to quickly knock something off your to do list. It's easy to let yourself think that if you just get whatever thing done, then you'll be able to rest. But you are called to set aside work, even when there are things to do or the house needs cleaned. Don't fall for the lie that rest can only be had when everything is done, or that whatever thing "needs" to be done. Unless it's an emergency, let it go and set apart the Sabbath.

Related posts:

What To Do on the Sabbath
Five Things the Messiah Taught About the Sabbath
How to Have a More Peaceful Sabbath

Get Outside this Shabbat

This article was also featured in Torah Sisters Magazine. Click here for the latest issue.

Are you looking for ways to make family memories this Summer? Or just wanting a peaceful way to spend the Sabbath day? Think about taking your lunch routine outside this Shabbat and soaking up that warm, and gorgeous sunshine! Personally I have a lot of happy memories of outdoor family meals and cookouts with friends. The change from the ordinary makes for a special time, and most people seem to be better able to relax outside. There is more room for play and the atmosphere is laid back. It's so restorative to be in the fresh air - doesn't enjoying a meal outdoors sound especially welcome for Shabbat? Additionally less cleanup is needed, because the grass is a lot more forgiving with spills than your kitchen floor. And the extra vitamin D from the sunshine brings health benefits, so head outside for some Sabbath joy this week.

Dining outside can be as simple as you'd like. It absolutely does not have to be a lot of hassle. A blanket on the ground and finger food is all you need for a fun time! You can enjoy your own backyard or head to a local park or beach area. Keep it simple and your family can have a great time. A few things to make it easy:

-If you're eating out on the patio have each family member carry their own place setting outside.
-For picnics away from home load everything into a basket to minimize trips to and from the car.
-Pack up dishes, silverware, napkins, and non perishables ahead of time so it's ready to go for Sabbath lunch.
-Pretty up your setting with a colorful tablecloth or blanket, or use patterned napkins or dishes.
-A statement piece like a bouquet of flowers or a menorah makes for an extra special atmosphere.
-Many parks offer picnic tables, shelter areas, drinking fountains, and playground equipment that you can take advantage of.
-Grab some throw pillows from your home to make it more comfortable.
-Mix it up by visiting different locations or even a different part of your local park.

If you're concerned about bugs there are several things you can do to set yourself up for success. Many pesky insects tend to stick to the twilight hours or prefer the shade. By heading out earlier in the day and staying in the sunlight that will keep a lot at bay. Very rarely do I have bug trouble around lunch, so that's a perfect time to get outside. Breeze works in your favor too and can really keep the bugs off. If you're at home you could easily set up a fan to mimic that effect. Plants like citronella, lavender, ageratum, rosemary, lemongrass, mint, and marigolds help to repel unwanted insects, so plant some where you like to spend time at home. Keep food (especially sweets) covered so ants and bees don't feel invited to help themselves. Of course don't forget to stick some natural insect repellant in your picnic basket, and when all else fails try a new location!

Since the Creator first placed mankind in a garden I don't think it's a coincidence that feelings of joy, peace, and contentment come from being in his Creation. Whether you have a picnic lunch, read Scripture in a hammock, go for a swim in the lake, or take a walk in the woods, take a moment to appreciate his amazing handiwork. Yahusha tells us that we should, "consider the lily." (Matthew 6:28) Depth and richness are added to us by seeing wildflowers grow. By getting outside and just noticing the things YHWH made we get to know him better. Now doesn't that sound like a perfect lunch?