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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Rabbi Warren Elf

Good morning.

Early January is the time that lots of travel companies offer special deals and discounts.

Holidays can create special memories and provide a welcome respite in the humdrum and busyness of everyday life.

My father was never one for going on holiday, so during school holidays we went on a variety of day trips, which was also fine and normally fun. My first holiday was when I was 14 years old and my mother, sister and I went to Bournemouth, where my grandparents were living. We had a wonderful time - the weather helped.

A couple of years ago my wife and I decided we would take a winter break to try to escape the cold, wet and dark of this time of year at home. I have to say, it was a real tonic.

I suppose the whole concept of holidays is to recharge our batteries and give us relief from the monotony of everyday life, expand our horizons, maybe see new parts of the world or go to places we know we like.

I am aware that not everyone can afford to go away or is able to.

I also derive pleasure and benefit from the Jewish concept of the Sabbath. We celebrate Shabbat every week, from before sunset on Friday night to after sunset on Saturday night – 25 hours of time out, Menuchah (rest), time with family and community, special prayers and ideally 3 nice meals.

So I pray today that we may all find time for rest and special occasions in our lives, where we can escape our worries and problems and be re-envigorated. I pray we can also find ways to do this with family, friends or community.

Amen.

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