Day 14: Labor Sabbath: Rest as Resistance.
In many traditions, Sabbath isn’t just rest – it’s resistance. From Jewish Shabbat to the Black freedom tradition of resting on Sundays, choosing stillness can be a radical act. What does it mean to honor the sacredness of rest – for ourselves and for workers around the world?
The Sacredness of Stillness
In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, choosing to rest – especially as a person of color, as a laborer, or as someone living under capitalism – can be revolutionary. Rest is not just the absence of work; it is a reclaiming of our wholeness and humanity.
“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.” – Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry
Sabbath, in its many cultural expressions, reminds us that we are more than what we produce. We are spiritual beings, part of an interdependent web, called to honor cycles of work and renewal.
Traditions of Rest and Resistance
- Jewish Shabbat: A sacred time from Friday evening to Saturday night to refrain from work, light candles, share meals, and reflect. Rooted in the Exodus story, Shabbat proclaims: You are no longer slaves. You are free.
- Black Church & Rest as Liberation: During slavery, Sunday was often the only day enslaved Africans could gather. Worship, rest, and storytelling became revolutionary acts that affirmed their dignity and planted the seeds of resistance.
- Islamic Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer): Though not technically a day off in all Muslim cultures, Friday congregational prayer marks sacred pause – bringing workers and worshippers together for spiritual grounding.
- Indigenous Cycles of Renewal: Many Indigenous cultures honor periods of retreat, reflection, or ceremony tied to lunar and seasonal cycles, centering balance over burnout.
Modern Movements
- The Nap Ministry: Founded by Tricia Hersey, this movement affirms that rest is reparations. Especially for Black folks, reclaiming rest challenges grind culture and centers healing. Visit: thenapministry.com
- Sabbath Manifesto: A creative Jewish initiative that reimagines Sabbath as digital detox, connection, and reflection. Learn more: sabbathmanifesto.org
- Rest for Resistance: A platform centering mental health and rest for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
Resources to Learn More
- Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
- Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn
- The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel – a spiritual and poetic invitation to experience sacred time.
- Podcast: For the Wild – Tricia Hersey on Rest as Resistance
Reflect & Act
- What would it mean to schedule regular “Sabbaths” in your life – not just as a break, but as sacred?
- How can our congregations or communities create space for collective rest – especially for the most overworked and underpaid among us?
- Can we advocate for policies like paid family leave, sabbaticals, and work-life balance as spiritual imperatives?
“Even God rested. What makes you think you’re above divine rhythm?” – Modern proverb
Blessing for Labor Sabbath
May you pause.
May you breathe.
May your rest be deep and holy.
May your silence speak wisdom.
May your stillness be your protest.
And may your return to the work be renewed with sacred purpose.
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