Shabbat
The Torah tells us, "Six days you shall work, and the seventh day is Shabbat, for the Lord your G-d." (Deut. 5:13)
The Midrash says that when the Jewish people were gathered at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, G-d told them that Heaven would be their reward for keeping the commandments. The Jews asked G-d, "How do we know that Heaven is so great? How about a free sample to see if it's worthwhile?" G-d knew that Heaven is where we experience the pure pleasure of the infinite G-d. So He said, "No problem. I'll send you a sample. Shabbat."
On Shabbat, rather than imposing our will on the world, we are in harmony with it. For one day, there is no competition. There is only flow. It empowers us, not to discard our workaday world, but to retain our ability to be independent from it. To connect with Shabbat, you have to get in touch with your sixth sense. With your soul. Shabbat is designed to facilitate the soul's contact with spirituality ― with G-d.
In order to do so it is necessary to refrain from activities that are forbidden on Shabbat. For someone who wants to “just try it out in the meantime” Rabbi Noah Weinberg would recommend to start with a few hours: No radio, no television, no telephone, no internet, and to increase the amount of time as one feels more comfortable. By refraining from forbidden activities one is free to perform the positive mitzvot pertaining to that day from lighting candles, attending the service, making Kiddush while covering the challah, taking part in a festive Shabbat meal up to making Havdalah after Shabbat’s departure. In our assortment you can find the necessary items to help you to elevate your Friday night and Saturday to a Shabbat experience.