Calendars mean something. When Friday comes, it brings anticipation of the weekend! For most, the weekend means a couple days off to rest and relax, or perhaps work a second job! Many head to the mountains, beaches or parks to hangout and have fun. Friday is a day of anticipation!

In Jewish culture, Hebrew calendar days begin at sundown and commence until sundown the next night. Sounds weird to us, but it is actually Biblical! Read Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23 and 31 and you will see that when God created the world, “the evening and morning” were designated a day. Evening first, then morning! Therefore, Friday evening is especially beloved in Israel!

If you have been to Israel you most assuredly have heard native Israelis (and savvy tourists) say, “Shabbat Shalom” on Fridays and Saturdays. That’s because Shabbat (the day of rest) begins on Friday at sundown and goes through Saturday at sundown.

But ah…what does “shalom” mean? The common definition we think of is “peace.” That is not wholly incorrect, and neither is the fact that it is often used as we use hello and goodbye. But shalom is so much more in Hebrew! Take a listen as Kayla explains:

Cool, huh! But there’s more! No, I don’t have Ginsu knives or miracle ovens to sell you, but I have an even greater blessing for you tomorrow when we pair together that famous Israeli greeting, “Shabbat Shalom!”

Meditate on “shalom” for now and lean into the wholeness, restoration and well-being God intends for you. Then, please don’t miss the added blessing tomorrow!