The Ezra Klein Show: Best Of – “Sabbath and the Art of Rest” with Judith Shulevitz

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of The Ezra Klein Show, hosted by Ezra Klein from New York Times Opinion, Ezra revisits a profound conversation from 2023 with writer Judith Shulevitz on the practice of Sabbath and the art of rest. As Ezra reflects on his personal struggles with rest and the frenetic pace of modern life, the discussion delves into the philosophical, theological, and practical dimensions of Sabbath, drawing insights from Judith’s book, The Sabbath World.

Ezra Klein’s Personal Journey with Sabbath

Ezra begins by sharing his longstanding fascination with Abraham Joshua Heschel’s The Sabbath, a book gifted to him during his college years by a rabbi. He reflects on Heschel’s critique of modern obsession with space and productivity, highlighting the profound line:

“Most of us seem to labor for the sake of things, of space. As a result, we suffer from a deeply rooted dread of time and stand aghast when compelled to look into its face.” (00:35)

Ezra confesses his own struggles with maintaining restful habits, exacerbated by aging, parenthood, and the relentless speed of contemporary life. This introspection leads him to explore the Sabbath as a potential remedy for his restless existence.

Judith Shulevitz on the Meaning and Rules of Sabbath

Judith Shulevitz joins Ezra to unpack the essence of Sabbath beyond its prohibitive rules. She argues that the Sabbath is fundamentally about creating meaning and framing time to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

“They’re trying to create meaning... These are the positive things that the frame gives a special gloss to the way it does a work of art. It says this space here, it’s meaningful.” (05:47)

Judith explains that the Sabbath’s rules are designed to safeguard both the individual and the world from perpetual labor and competition, emphasizing collective non-productivity as essential for true rest.

Theology of Sabbath and the Creation Story

The conversation delves into the theological roots of Sabbath, referencing the creation narrative in Genesis where God rests on the seventh day, not as a cessation but as an act of creating rest itself. Judith elaborates on how Sabbath signifies a system of meaning, akin to adorning a bridal chamber:

“The Sabbath sort of has nostalgia for the pure Sabbath we can never achieve built into it.” (10:49)

She highlights that Sabbath is not merely about stopping work but about setting apart time for reflection, community, and spiritual connection.

The Challenge of Achieving Sabbath Rest in Modern Times

Ezra and Judith discuss the difficulties of embodying Sabbath in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society. Ezra cites Heschel’s notion that:

“Labor is a craft but perfect rest is an art.” (13:03)

Judith counters by emphasizing the necessity of community in achieving Sabbath rest, arguing that individual attempts often fail without a supportive social framework.

The Social Aspect of Sabbath and Community Building

Judith introduces the concept of Sabbath as a socially reinforced temporal structure. She explains that Sabbath requires a collective effort to synchronize schedules, create festive environments, and foster community cohesion:

“If it's not happening collectively, it's not gonna happen.” (16:03)

This collective approach transforms Sabbath from a personal retreat into a communal practice that strengthens social bonds and enhances shared experiences.

Digital Sabbath and Secular Versions

The episode explores the modern adaptations of Sabbath, including digital Sabbaths where individuals disconnect from technology. Judith critiques the secularization of Sabbath, noting that without communal reinforcement, such practices often lack depth and fail to replicate the meaningful rest Sabbath is intended to provide.

“If you simply find a world in which it makes sense to turn it off, you will be able to turn it off.” (28:33)

Ezra reflects on his own attempts at digital Sabbath, acknowledging the challenges of integrating it into a life not structured for communal rest.

Challenges in Implementing Sabbath with Family Life

Ezra brings up the difficulty of practicing Sabbath with young children, highlighting the tension between creating a controlled, restful environment and the inherent chaos of parenting. Judith responds by redefining control as relinquishing it, focusing instead on embracing the collective and familial aspects of Sabbath:

“You are not necessarily resting... But think about the fact that you are with your kids.” (58:48)

She suggests that involving children in Sabbath can foster deeper family connections and instill lasting values of rest and community.

Conclusion and Book Recommendations

As the conversation draws to a close, Judith recommends three books that further explore the themes of Sabbath, time, and community:

1. George Eliot’s Adam Bede – For its depiction of pre-industrial Sabbath practices.
2. The Seven Day Circle by Eviatar Zerubavel – A comprehensive history of the week and its social implications.
3. Emily Gwendelsberger’s On the Clock: What Low-Wage Work Did to Me and How It Drives America Insane – Examining the impact of modern work schedules on personal and societal well-being.

Judith emphasizes the importance of understanding Sabbath not just as a set of rules but as a dynamic, community-oriented practice that shapes our relationship with time and each other.

Notable Quotes

• Ezra Klein: “Heschel has this line. Six days a week, we seek to dominate the world. On the seventh day, we try to dominate the self. It's amazing how much harder that is to do.” (00:35)
• Judith Shulevitz: “Ethics becomes a luxury as the speed of our daily life increases.” (22:18)
• Judith Shulevitz: “Sabbath is a four-step program for creating community and social cohesion.” (16:03)
• Ezra Klein: “Heschel writes, the solution to mankind's most vexing problem will not be found in renouncing technical civilization, but in attaining some degree of independence on it.” (26:42)

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep dive into the concept of Sabbath as more than mere rest but as a transformative practice that redefines our engagement with time, work, and community. Judith Shulevitz’s insights provide a compelling argument for reclaiming Sabbath in modern life, highlighting its potential to create meaningful, restful, and connected existence amidst the chaos of contemporary society.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and explore more thought-provoking conversations with Ezra Klein every Tuesday and Friday.