Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Shoshanna Walker <rosewalk AT concentric.net>]

"He establishes the
         Sabbath to provide man a day of rest, as well as to honor 
himself in special worship."


Actually, the prohibition of work on Shabbat (Melechet Avoda) has to 
do with the actions needed for worship (Avoda) in the Temple, and 
this is for us to acknowledge that it is a law of existence (like 
gravity, for instance is a law in the physical world) that on this 
day G-d's blessings and sustenance are coming forth - WITHOUT THE 
NEED FOR US TO SUPPLICATE FOR THEM.

And, all of this is independent of whether or not we honor the day - 
unlike our festivals, which are holy only if we honor and keep them.

Shoshanna