Senator Joe Lieberman Celebrates Shabbat in His New Book, "The Gift of Rest"

Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman's observance of Shabbat has become universally known since he ran for Vice President on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000. 

This week marks the publication of his seventh book, a nonpolitical tribute to Shabbat and how the Jewish day of rest has been a central part of his life.  The book, The Gift of Rest, describes the benefits of Sabbath observance for Jews, and suggests ways for people of other religious faiths and those who are secular to gain similar benefits from observing a day away from email, texting, and electronic devices.

Lieberman writes about Shabbat as a gift that he received from his parents who, in turn, received it from their parents, who received it from generations of Jews before them. According to ancient tradition, the line of transmission extends back to Moses at Mt. Sinai, who received the Sabbath as the fourth of the Ten Commandments. In this book, Lieberman offers the gift of Sabbath observance—a gift that has anchored, ordered, and inspired his life—to readers of all faiths. 

In the following video, Lieberman explains how he came to write the book.

In the next video, Lieberman give us a peek at the Shabbat table in his home and the preparations that he and his wife Hadassah make each week for the seventh day. Enjoy, and Shabbat Shalom!