Latest update: May 17th, 2013 Question: May someone who
desecrates the Sabbath lead the services if he has yahrzeit? If
yes, may he replace someone else who has yahrzeit? Answer:
Exodus 31:16-17 is the source for our Sabbath observance. The
verse explains that Shabbat serves as a sign between G-d and the
Jewish people of our uniqueness before G-d. The Gemara (Shabbos
10b) describes Shabbat as a precious present from G-d to the
Jewish people. In addition, in parshat Bereishit we see that
Shabbat bears testimony to the creation since G-d abstained from
creating the world on that day. We discussed the self-sacrifice
that many Jews throughout the generations have exhibited in
regard to Sabbath observance. While today there are many laws to
protect Sabbath observers, this was not the case generations
ago. Therefore, It became de rigueur for Jews to refer to
themselves with the appellation “shomer Shabbat” as opposed to,
for example, “shomer Torah u’mitzvot.” Although the observance
of Shabbat is just one aspect of