Every Thursday, and during the day on Friday, I look forward to status updates from my Jewish friends, as they often add pictures and notes of their preparations to celebrate the Sabbath. I’m struck that they make such determined preparation: cleaning, shopping for and preparing a special meal, getting out the candles, making sure everyone has the things they’ll need for the Sabbath. I’m struck that there is so much happiness and whole-family involvement in preparing to truly celebrate each Sabbath.

It’s one of those times I experience Holy Envy: a desire to participate more fully in the celebrations and spaces Heavenly Father has laid out for our benefit. Some weeks, I carry that Holy Envy into concrete application, and we really do have a better Sabbath experience. Other weeks, I’m not so on-the-ball.

What preparations have become part of your Sabbath tradition? What elements are you trying to implement to more fully celebrate the Sabbath?