Shabbos. The Day of Rest. What then would make more sense then the Shabbos nap?

According to the pundits at the Boston University’s Center for Psychological Rehabilitation, a midday nap is a great remedy for a bad night’s sleep. Studies at the Henry Ford Hospital’s Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit revealed that a two- or four-hour nap before being up all night helped individuals stay alert the following day. Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine recently linked obesity to a lack of sleep; the less people sleep, the heavier they tend to be.  Therefore, the Shabbos nap makes scientific sense.

There are variations on the Shabbos nap, which takes place Saturday afternoon. It changes depending on what time Shabbos starts and finishes, and what your responsibilities within the family are. As an example, if Shabbos starts at 4:30 p.m., it concludes at about 5:30 p.m. There is then little time to crawl into bed and get some rest because one needs to return to shul for the afternoon services shortly after lunch is over. The Shabbos nap will be short, and likely on the couch.

On the other hand, if Shabbos starts at 7 p.m. or later, there will be plenty of time to grab a nap. The napper might then likely climb upstairs and formally go to sleep in  bed.

It is not uncommon in a household for the father and mother to split a Shabbos nap, especially if the children in the house are babies or toddlers. If Shabbos starts early, a good husband will tiredly suggest to his exhausted wife she finds some time to shluf (Yiddish for “sleep”). A good wife will respond this is unfair, but upon coaxing will give in and ultimately settle into their comfy bed, under their thick duvet, exhale and grab the moment and the gift she has received.

Let’s go back to where the Shabbos nap takes place. If you were to enter a home of a family that celebrates Shabbos, you will witness much debating, laughing and discussion. This normally begins in the foyer, then moves into the living room or den,  and ultimately makes its way to the dining room table.  Once the Kiddush and Hamotzi have been said, it time for lunch, which often includes a hearty slow cooker full of cholent. According to Wikipedia.com, cholent is a food of Ashkenazi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Ashkenazi_Jews) Jews, a type of stew (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stew) that has simmered (http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Simmering) over a very low flame or inside a slow oven for up to 24 hours before being served. It is usually served hot as the main course of the Shabbos lunch meal. A cholent can include potatoes, barley, beans, carrots, garlic cloves, mushrooms, fried onions and brisket. Sephardim have their own form of cholent.

This heavy and intense Shabbos afternoon dish will make even a type A personality tired. After lunch, those sitting around the table will make their way over to the couch or a large armchair and quickly doze off. Interestingly, many of the people I have known over the years who take a Shabbos nap prefer to do so on the sofa. This is likely because the couch is in greatest proximity to the table and allows the Shabbos napper to continue schmoozing with his family and friends while he/she falls asleep.  

Studies shows most of us are sleep deprived, slaves to schedules dotted with meetings, family responsibilities and a frequent need to extend the day so as to maximize its potential.

A Shabbos nap on the Day of Rest therefore makes a lot of sense. If you are a novice to this Jewish ritual, ask around to determine the best way and place to take a Shabbos nap. It is simple once mastered and marvellous for the digestive system, longevity and the soul.

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