#285: Machshavah

Yedidya Meir, well-known religious columnist in Israel (and husband of Sivan Rahav-Meir), recently related (https://ch10.co.il/news/956969/) an amazing story of one Israeli author and screenwriter’s journey toward Shabbat observance. Ilan Heitner and his wife, both balancing the demands of family and careers in their mid-forties, loved the idea of Shabbat but felt—like many—that it would be too difficult for them and their children to become fully Shabbat-observant all at once.

So they came up with an ingenious solution: treating Shabbat observance like a start-up initiative, calling it “One in Four.” They began by declaring one complete, screen-free, meaningful Shabbat each month, which they called Shabbat Kodesh. What began as an experiment blossomed into a wonderful experience and a deep longing for Shabbat. Their children, initially participating only reluctantly, soon began asking, “When is it Shabbat Kodesh again? We want more Shabbat Kodesh!” One in Four soon became One in Three, then One in Two, and eventually full Shabbat observance. Ilan shared how his children now happily put away their electronic devices and truly appreciate the family time and holiness that Shabbat brings.

From this remarkable family we can learn just how precious Shabbat truly is. In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it offers a weekly island of calm—a time to put aside the endless demands of technology and reclaim the simple joys of presence, conversation, and connection. Shabbat is not merely a pause; it is a sanctified space in time that allows us to realign our priorities, deepen our relationships, and experience life without the constant noise that drowns out the soul’s quiet voice. If our children or grandchildren ask us why Shabbat is so important, we must be ready to convey this truth. May we all merit to experience, and to pass on to our families, the joy, holiness, and wholeness that the Heitners discovered in their journey toward keeping Shabbat.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.