Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam Shabbat and the Radical Idea of Rest (#1 Staff Pick)
Jan 21, 2026
Explore the radical idea of Shabbat as more than a list of prohibitions. Mijal and Noam uncover its deeper significance, portraying it as a 'palace in time' for digital detox and spiritual reset. They share personal memories of early resistance to Shabbat and discuss its impact on community and mental health. Dive into the philosophical insights of thinkers like Heschel and Soloveitchik, highlighting the transformation from mere rest to a celebration of meaning and connection.
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Shabbat As Sacred 25‑Hour Time
- Shabbat is a 25-hour sacred time from sunset to nightfall that reshapes weekly life.
- Mijal and Noam frame it as a weekly digital detox, spiritual reset, and celebration of meaning.
Childhood Resentment Turned Deep Love
- Mijal recalls resenting Shabbat as a child in Uruguay because it limited social activities.
- That early resentment contrasts with her adult love and sense of Shabbat as transformative.
The 39 Melachot Shape Modern Rules
- Rabbis derive 39 categories of prohibited creative acts (melachot) from the Mishkan work.
- These categories expand into hundreds of specific rules that adapt to modern life and technology.
