Yesterday was by far the most relaxing Shabbat I've had so far in Israel. Traditionally, Shabbat is the day of rest, and you aren't supposed to do much. But when I'm at home Saturday is one of two days I get to do whatever I want, so I'm almost always busy the entire day, whether I'm surfing or hanging out with my friends, etc. I've never really appreciated the idea of Shabbat, possibly because with or without Shabbat, my American schedule would still include no school on Saturday and Sunday. In ancient times, on the other hand, most people worked every single day, and the idea of a day of rest was absurd to non-Jews. I've been trying to make the most out of most of the Shabbats here and hang out with as many people as possible and do homework, keeping myself busy. Yesterday, I spent my time sleeping in, playing guitar, resting in the room, and playing cards. I didn't follow all the rules of Shabbat, for instance I turned on and off the lights multiple times, but most definitely did rest. Today I just feel so much better having had a day not to worry about school or anything. It made me realize the importance of having a day of rest, and I just might continue to use Shabbat the way it was intended.