In the Torah there are two mentions of the ten commandments. Once mentioned in the book of Exodus and once in the Book of Deuteronomy. The fourth commandment about shabbat instructs us with two different verbs concerning shabbat. In Deuteronomy we are told to Shomer, to guard or protect the Sabbath, and in Exodus we are commanded to Zachor, remember Shabbat.
You may have heard the term Shomer Shabbos. One who is Shomer Shabbos is one who observes all the rules of the Sabbath (i.e. no driving, no spending money, etc.). However, to remember the Sabbath is much less tangible. While guarding the Sabbath is done through overt acts, remembering is a discipline of the mind. To remember the Sabbath is practiced through the art of awareness and mindfulness. To simply be aware that it is the Sabbath, a day to rejuvenate the soul, can serve as a powerfully transformative act.
Consider the following teaching from Rabbi Lawrence Kushner:
“Thinking Shabbat" Rabbi Lawrence Kusher in A Shabbat Reader, p 199-201
in Exodus …we are told "Zachor," remember the Sabbath. Perhaps it is for us to create a new standard of Shabbat behavior called "Zachor Shabbat." One who is "Zocher Shabbat" would remember throughout the day's duration that it was Shabbat. (Not so easy as it first sounds.) We say to one another, Do anything you want--as long as you will remember that it is Shabbat, and that will ensure that whatever you do will be lichvod ha-Shabbat, for the honor of the Shabbat.
This Shabbat (from sundown Friday to three stars in the sky Saturday night) work on the discipline of remembering that it is the Sabbath. See how being mindful of the Sabbath makes you feel. Over time you might see that this simple act of awareness has shaped you in ways you could not have anticipated. You do not need to be Shomer Shabbos, you can be a Zocher Shabbos, a rememberer of the Sabbath. Hopefully by being one who remembers the Sabbath you will discover a new sense of rejuvenation and strength in your life that you did not know before.
Shabbat Shalom!
