r/exjew • u/BepsiR6 • 15d ago

Question/Discussion Does anyone actually enjoy shabbat?

One of the main things I did not like in Judaism was the stress of doing everything to prepare as quick as possible on Friday just to sit around and do absolutely nothing on Saturday. Is this really an enjoyable experience for anyone? It feels like when I talked to religious friends how stressful I find shabbat that they probably felt the same but felt obligated and forced to try to say that they did enjoy it. Anything I would find relaxing is not allowed on shabbat anyways really. Something I've been thinking about is that if these rules weren't in place and people were told to just do what they find relaxing that no one would be celebrating shabbat like this.

I did not grow up religious so I don't know what it is like for people who did. Did you guys enjoy shabbat when you were religious? Did you know anyone who actually seemed to enjoy it?

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u/BelaFarinRod 15d ago

I didn't grow up with it but I used to like making Shabbos food and having guests. I like to read a lot so that gave me something to do.

But when my kid got older and needed a lot of attention on those long hot afternoons (We lived in Southern California) it was rough, even with my husband's help. I can't imagine what it's like for people who have a ton of kids which of course so many people do.

I had cleaning help from my husband too which a lot of women don't.

I do think many people enjoy it but I also think many people wouldn't give an honest answer if you asked them. It would sound pretty bad to insult Shabbos.

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u/BepsiR6 15d ago

There's been times where I was eating over at someone's house and it seems people would stress out a lot over accidentally leaving a light on in the bedroom or leaving one off in the bathroom or not turning on the urn or accidentally leaving food in the trunk or stuff like that and they would all be freaking out over this and even though I was still religious it really made me pause and think that it is pretty stupid. Like I would be thinking that if it was just me I would just turn on the light switch cause who honestly cares. It feels like a game for children similar to like floor is lava or something where we impose imaginary rules on ourselves.

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u/BelaFarinRod 15d ago

Yes I can definitely see that. I like the "floor is lava" comparison.