Power of Shabbat |
There are five consecutive Parshiot that deal primarily with the details of the construction of the Mishkan. It begins with Parshat Teruma until the end of Shmot. There is a sudden interruption in these instructions, when the Torah tells us, אך את שבתותי תשמורו, “But you shall observe My Shabbat.” This is the source for the “Thirty nine Melachot of Shabbat.” Because this Pasuk is placed in the middle of Tabernacle instructions, it is derived that the thirty-nine activities necessary for this construction, would be the constructive acts forbidden on the Sabbath. We are also told that Shabbat is a sign of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. It is a magical day where we are given a נשמה יתירה, an extra soul, where we feel spiritually invigorated by the sanctity of the day. The words that are part of our Shabbat Kiddush in the morning, have special meaning. ושמרו בני ישראל את השבת, “The Children of Israel” shall observe the Sabbath.” The Alshich commented that this is a hint to the power of Shabbat if it were to be observed by all of the Jewish people. No nation can prevail against us, if we all observe Shabbat. And if we observe to Shabbats in a row, the Redemption will come in a moment. Moshe Rabbeinu rejoiced, ישמח משה, when he saw that what he knew intuitively, would be an integral part of Judaism. When he was the prince of Egypt, he told Pharoah that he would get more productivity from his slaves if he gave them a day off. Describing the beauty and tranquility of Shabbat to one who never experienced it, is like describing a beautiful sunset to a blind man. It must be experienced to appreciate the greatness of the day. May all Jews hurry the Redemption as they all begin to observe the holiest day of the week, the precious gift given to us by G-d.