Machar: the Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism

 Early or at least related origins of Shabbat can be found in the Babylonian calendar — Shabbatum — the magic number of 7. There were certain days when it was considered unlucky to do any work, but this only pertained to the king and other high-ups. It had nothing to do with a day of rest. That came with the Jewish evolution and the instituting of what could be viewed as the world’s first labor law.

Our Shabbat celebrations are held at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in North Bethesda. Please see the schedule in the article below: "Shabbat Celebrations 2009-2010, or click on the following link: Machar Adult Education Schedule Fridays Fall 2009.

Keeping a Shabbat or Sabbath day is referred two in the two versions of the Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:8-11: Remember Shabbat (the final day of creation) and Deuteronomy 5:12-15: Keep the Shabbat (a memorial of the exodus).

Regardless of the source, all deserve a day of rest — man and beast. This goes beyond religion into the laws of the land. It’s humanitarian.

Our Humanistic Shabbat celebrations include:

• readings
• responsive readings
• candle lighting
• commentary or talk on secular humanistic issues
• drama, performance of some sort
• meditation time

What adds to the Jewish flavor is the Hebrew of the songs we sing.