In Essene Judaism, the seventh day Shabbat is viewed as a sacred day of rest and spiritual renewal. The Essenes believed that by observing the Shabbat, we can deepen our connection to the Divine and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and harmony.
From an Essene perspective, the Shabbat is a day to disconnect from the busyness of daily life and to focus on spiritual practice and connection. This involves refraining from work, commerce, and other distractions, and instead engaging in prayer, meditation, study, and reflection.
The Essenes also believed that the Shabbat is a time to connect with the Divine as the Creator and the natural world and to appreciate the beauty and harmony of creation. This involves spending time in nature, enjoying the company of loved ones, and engaging in activities that promote peace and joy.
In addition, the Shabbat is seen as a time to cultivate community and social connection, with gatherings for prayer and celebration with family and friends at the Synagogue and at home.
Overall, the seventh day Shabbat from an Essene perspective is a sacred day of rest and spiritual renewal, a time to deepen our connection to the Divine, appreciate the beauty of creation, and cultivate community and social connection. By observing the Shabbat, the Essenes believed that we can create a more peaceful and harmonious world, both within ourselves and in the wider community.