You shall sanctify the strikes

The author's trip to Israel and Palestine was filled with unexpected experiences, particularly when they encountered the Sabbath. They rushed to leave Jerusalem for Tel Aviv before the Sabbath began, recalling the restrictions that observant Jews follow on this holy day. The author reflects on the significance of the Sabbath, which means 'to cease' in Hebrew, and the various prohibitions that come with it, such as refraining from work and using electrical devices. They also draw a parallel between the Sabbath and a recent general strike, where participants were encouraged to halt consumption and refrain from various activities, highlighting the cultural and religious significance of rest and cessation in both contexts.