The experiment proved successful. People started looking forward to doing it again next year. It afforded families a chance to step back and appreciate the true blessings that they had in their transient existence. It made them realize that all those extracurricular activities, though important, pales to the importance of the time spent with family.
The Jewish people were given this gift every week. Those Jews who take advantage of this great treasure savor every minute of it. They focus on the enduring aspects of their lives – their families – and their children. For the Jewish people, the experiment in Ridgewood was not something new.
For us it is called the Shabbat – a time of reflection and appreciation. A time when homework and schoolwork has no place.