For the first time in American history, a sitting president has called on the nation to observe a Shabbat.
As part of the White House’s Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation, President Donald Trump designated the period from sundown Friday, May 15, through nightfall Saturday, May 16, as a national Shabbat, dubbed “Shabbat 250.”
“In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath,” the President wrote. “From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.”
Invoking President George Washington’s seminal letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, and Revolutionary era financier Haym Salomon, President Trump paid tribute to the role Jewish Americans have played in the United States since its earliest days.
“This month, we celebrate the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our way of life, we honor their role in shaping the story of our Nation, and we remember that religious devotion, learning, and service to others are enduring pillars of a thriving culture. Through every trial and triumph, the contributions of Jewish Americans have shaped our past, have strengthened our communities, and will continue to inspire American greatness for generations to come.”
The Sanctity of Shabbat
Shabbat is the cornerstone of the Jewish faith. The fourth of the Ten Commandments is: “Remember [Zachor] the Shabbat day to keep it holy ... for G‑d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh” (Exodus 20:8). It is the one day in a week designated as a rest from the material concern and stresses of the week to instead concentrate on the spiritual purpose of life — to serve G‑d through the Torah and Mitzvot. In Deuteronomy 5:12, the Torah states: “Observe [shamor] the Shabbat day to keep it holy.”
Providentially, the national Shabbat will take place on the weekend when Jews around the world will read the Torah portion of Bamidbar, which precedes the holiday of Shavuot. Forty years ago, on Shabbat Bamidbar 5746 (June 7, 1986), the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, suggested this particular Shabbat to be a global Shabbat achdut, or Shabbat of Unity. Shavuot marks G‑d’s giving of the Torah to the Jewish people at Sinai. Then, the master commentator Rashi wrote, the Jewish people accepted the Torah “as one man with one heart.” What better way to prepare for the giving of the Torah on Shavuot, the Rebbe pointed out, then Jews of all backgrounds once again uniting in a spirit of love in the days preceding the holiday?
“Loving your neighbor as yourself is not sufficient, if the friend remains a separate entity to whom you show your love,” the Rebbe explained at the time. “There must be a unity which unites all Jews to be part of one great body; when each limb views the other as part of itself.”
Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Houston and YJP Houston, welcomed the “Shabbat 250” initiative.
“Keeping Shabbat is always a beautiful and important thing,” he said. “It is taught that if the Jewish people only kept two Shabbats, Moshiach would be here — and the time for that has already come. Shabbat 250, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, is a beautiful idea. It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and connect with G‑d, your family, and your community in a real and meaningful way.”
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