Shabbat Observance and (hopefully) the obvious

I just wanted to point out an advantage that sabbath observant Jews have in the prepping world and what is hopefully an obvious point for most readers of this and other prepper blogs...

On the Jewish Sabbath we refrain from "work". Work or Melacha is defined in Jewish Law as corresponding to one of the 39 skills that were used to build the Tabernacle in Biblical times. Through the generations these 39 categories of work have been adapted to the modern world and at times have been extended to include use of items which may bring a person to transgression. Some examples of these today would be:

1. Not using money or purchasing things at a store (This requires that one buys all there goods before sundown on Friday)
2. Not turning on or off electricity or using electrical devices (such as a telephone, computer, TV or even an elevator!)
3. Not driving a car or traveling a great distance from the outskirts of the town.
4. Food must be completely cooked before the Sabbath until it is edible.

Perhaps you can see where I am going with this. Observant Jews actually practice 'prepping' every week!

Of course, we still rely on many modern day amenities, but by and large we practice doing without 52 times a year...This, in theory, gives us a unique opportunity and and perhaps an advantage when it comes to being prepared.

Now for the obvious. I hope everyone understands that it would not be prudent to rely on websites, like this one, or downloaded information in an actually emergency. One needs to have these materials already printed out or in book form BEFORE the disaster strikes. Once it happens, its just like sunset on a Friday, you're stuck with what you have until after the event. (I dare say and I shudder when I think this frightening thought...that EVEN Facebook may not be operating!)

I may also take this advantage to let you know that we are preparing a printed guide to Jewish Prepping. We will let you know as soon as we have more information. Please let us know if you or someone you know (perhaps a Jewish organization) would like to sponsor this project.

Just to end with a famous quote from the Talmud and what should be the motto of the Jewish Prepping community, "He who prepares on Friday, will eat on Shabbos." (Avodah Zara 3a)