After coming to the realization that the Sabbath is an important commandment which must be obeyed the next logical step for most individuals is to seek out how to obey the Sabbath commandments.
A first step is to look at the specific commandments concerning what is required and or prohibited.
The next step is to evaluate our lives and determine what we do on the day and whether is appropriate or inappropriate for this set apart day. Continue reading...
When first entering into an understanding of the applicability of the Torah to their lives, many read and quote the following text from the Scriptures:
“For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it? But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.” Devarim 30:11-14.
In other words, Mosheh is telling us that we can all keep the Torah and it is not too difficult. It is not too far away for any of us and it is something we can all know and understand. Sadly these words do not always seem to be true when it comes to determining the month of the Aviv and celebrating the Passover. Let me explain the underlying issue in case you are not familiar with what I am referring to. According to the Torah we must celebrate the Passover between the evenings on the 14th day of the month of the Aviv. (Vayiqra 23:5). Therefore, it is important to understand when the month of the Aviv begins so that we know when to start counting the days to celebrate the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened bread and all subsequent Appointed Times which occur throughout the year. (see Vayiqra 23). Continue reading...