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Sabbath and Silence
The Hebrew creation meaning of Sabbath and Benjamin Franklin’s virtue of Silence share a deep connection rooted in restraint.
1. Purposeful Restraint
• Sabbath (Shabbat): In the Hebrew creation story, God rests on the seventh day—not because He is tired, but to model ceasing from activity. It is an act of deliberate restraint.
• Silence (Franklin’s virtue): Franklin defined silence as speaking only when it benefits others or oneself, and avoiding trifling conversation. It’s also an act of restraint—choosing not to speak just to fill space.
In both, you stop doing something not out of weakness, but from strength and intention.
2. Creating Space for Meaning
• Sabbath creates space for spiritual reflection, community, and awareness. In Jewish thought, the world is incomplete without rest—it’s not just what is created, but also the space between.
• Silence creates space for listening, thinking, and understanding. It allows something deeper to emerge.
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