Samuel Ian Rosen is the founder of MakeSpace, an angel investor in tech & brands, a Venture Scout at Lightspeed Venture Partners, and on the Board of Directors at Gift of Life Marrow Registry. He attended the OneTable + REALITY Illuminate Hanukkah Nosh:Shabbat in LA last week and took to Instagram to share what Shabbat means to him.

I learned the most about my cultural identity by listening to stories around the dinner table at family holidays.

Shabbat is a custom we didn’t keep when I grew up but as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to bring it back into my life. The sabbath has religious purpose for many others but I take a more secular view. For me, a day of rest is the opportunity to reflect and be grateful. It’s a celebration of the past and the opportunity to look forward to the future. When I heard @shimonperes on my @realityisrael trip in 2015, I’ll never forget when he said “divorce the past… marry the future.“ Shabbat’s the chance to do that weekly and start fresh… even when I make mistakes. And as an #entrepreneur pushing pause and resetting is crucial.

The Jewish laws for Shabbat encourage removing distraction so that one can truly be at peace and rest. No creation of sparks / flames (electricity, ovens, lights, cell phones) or exchanging money (shopping..even online, like how @bhphoto doesn’t take orders on Saturday). I look at Judaism through a modern lens. To me, Judaism is more “open source” — the code… “building blocks” are provided but I’m free to create my own “applications” and use what I want. For me, is a time to enjoy rest in the presence of others. And for me, there’s no better way to do that than over hot food, nice music, and celebration with friends and family even if it means taking an Uber to get there.

The best part about it is that the home is always open. It’s a mitzvah, or “good deed,” to invite someone over for Shabbat dinner. Friends are always welcome. And I’m grateful to @realityisrael @sethacohen33 @yanivrivlin for helping make these types of opportunities possible. I was so grateful to be welcomed to Los Angeles thanks to them and @onetableshabbat.

Resolving conflict, coming up with new ideas, and raising the youth will come through sharing the dinner table regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion. All are welcome at my Shabbat. And that is a Jewish value I’m proud of. #myreality