Shabbos Is Forever - Read Along With Mushky on Kosher Kids Book Nook!

Welcome to Kosher.com Booknook: Exploring the Timeless Tradition of Shabbat

As we settle into our cozy corner of the world, ready to embark on this week's reading adventure, I invite you to snuggle up with your favorite blanket or plush toy and join me in the joy of exploring the heartwarming stories about Shabbat from "Art for Girls' Living". Today, we'll delve into Story Number Two, titled "Shabbat is Forever".

Stephen Klein listened to his friend's idea with interest, saying, "That's a great idea! I will pay the New York Times to print the Times to Light Shabbat candles on the front page of their Friday newspaper." This way, Jewish women would be able to see when Shabbat would arrive. And so, every week for 25 years, Stephen Klein paid $22,000 for a small advertisement giving the time for candle lighting. He also included a phone number in the ad, allowing people to call if they wanted to learn more about Shabbat.

This remarkable project came to an end in the year 1999, but its impact was soon to be seen again in a most unexpected way. The New York Times decided to create a special edition of their newspaper for the year 2000, marking the beginning of the next century. As part of this celebration, they included three front pages: one from 100 years before, the current year, and another depicting what they thought would be on the front page in the year 2100.

Stephen Klein received his copy of the New York Times as he flipped to the front page, expecting to see a futuristic vision. Instead, something familiar caught his eye at the bottom corner of the page: a small box printed with the candle lighting time for the week of January 1st, 2011. Stefan, intrigued by this inclusion, called The New York Times and asked what had led them to include the advertisement again. The non-Jewish editor replied, "We don't know what will happen in the year 2,100, but one thing is for sure: Jewish women will still be lighting Shabbat candles 100 years from now." This response encapsulated the enduring essence of Shabbat: a tradition that transcends time and circumstance.

As we reflect on this remarkable story, it's clear that Shabbat is more than just a day; it's a state of mind. It's a reminder that amidst an ever-changing world, some things remain constant. Whether you move to a new house, try a new kind of ice cream, or grow out of your old shoes, the spirit of Shabbat will continue to guide and inspire us. So let us cherish this timeless tradition, just as The New York Times did in their special edition, and remember that "Shabbat is Forever".