Finally an opportunity to write about Shabbat. In this morning's Torah reading we arrive at the foot of Mt. Sinai prepared to receive the 10 commandments of which Shabbat is one. There are really two events in our history that are closely tied to Shabbat, creation and the exodus from Egypt. This morning we deal with the connection to creation. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Creation is a process designed to bring harmony out of chaos.
A more in depth look at the process of creation quickly uncovers the idea that there is great symmetry in the creation story itself. For example, on day one light is created while day four the specific sun, moon and stars are created. Day three describes the creation of dry land while on day six there is the creation of the inhabitants such as animals and human beings. We imitate God in this way. We work all week long to produce so that we can enjoy the fruit of that labor on our day of rest.