Dreaming of Moshiach

Friday, March 09, 2007

The Magic of Shabbat

Before and during Shabbat, we wish each other Shabbat Shalom (Peaceful shabbat). Where is the source for this and what does it really mean?

"ויכלו השמים והארץ וכל צבאם ויכל אלקים ביום השביעי מלאכתו אשר עשה":"
2:2 And on the seventh day God finished His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.

Why does it say in the holy Torah that HaShem completed His work on the seventh day? Didn't HaShem create the world in six days and rested on the seventh?.

The Midrash says that after HaShem created the heaven and earth and its things during the first 6 days, the creations did not have rest. They opposed, complained, and were stormy till the Shabbat came and rested amongst them and gave peace between one another. The Shabbat made peace between all creations and then, the creations calmed down and stood properly. Therefore, it is considered that the creation ended on the seventh day.

Because of the holy Shabbat, we greet and bless one another with Shabbat Shalom (Peaceful Shabbat).

Shabbat observance confirms our belief in the existence of a Creator because Shabbat commemorates the completion of Creation. Shabbat confirms our belief in a Divinely-given Torah because Shabbat is a time when we are free to devote ourselves to Torah study. Finally, Shabbat observance confirms our belief in Olam Haba because Shabbat is said to be a "taste" of Olam Haba.

Shabbat Shalom...

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והיה השם למלך על כל הארץ, ביום ההוא יהיה השם אחד - ושמו אחד ישתבח שמו לעד לנצח נצחים בכל העולמות Blessed is His name for eternity in all worlds אין עוד מלבדו