B"H
Monday, Tishrei 29, 5783 / October 24, 2022
Last Shabbat we read Parshat Breishis which is the first Parsha in the Torah. In it the Torah describes the six days of creation, in which G-d created the world and the day of Shabbat – the day in which He rested.
The Parsha covers a period of 1500 years, from the beginning of creation until the time of Noach and the birth of his three children, who survived the Great Flood, about which we will read this coming Shabbat.
Q.Although G-d rested on Shabbat He did create one thing on Shabbat. What is it?
A.On Shabbat G-d created REST. The concept of rest which the Torah speaks about means G-d rested from creating physical matter. The idea of the mitzvah of resting on Shabbat is that we should be elevated from being involved in pursuing the physical and concentrate on our spiritual achievements. The day of Shabbat was given to the Jewish people to take a break from physical work and be involved in study, prayer and family time.
Q.What is the reason the Torah gave for observing Shabbat?
A.The mitzvah of resting on Shabbat is found in the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are written twice in the Torah. Once, in the Book of Exodus and again in the Book of Deuteronomy. In Exodus the Torah states the reason for observing Shabbat, “Because six days G-d created the heavens and the earth and on the seventh day G-d rested.” Resting on Shabbat serves as testimony that G-d created the world and just as He rested on Shabbat, we too, rest on Shabbat.
In the Ten Commandments as they are recorded in Deuteronomy, the reason stated for observing Shabbat is to remember that G-d liberated the Jewish people from enslavement in the land of Egypt. Thus, observing Shabbat attests to the fact that G-d created the world and to the miracle of the Exodus when He chose us as His nation.
Q. What is the meaning of the name Shabbat?
A. “Shabbat” means REST. During the 40 years in the desert, Jews would receive a daily portion of manna. The manna couldn’t be left over from one day to the next as it would rot and become spoiled. Each day G-d would supply them with a fresh portion of manna from heaven. However, on Shabbat the manna didn’t come down. On Friday they would receive a double portion for Friday and Shabbat. On Shabbat it stayed as fresh as when it came on Friday. Thus, Jews during those forty years, witnessed every Shabbat the miracle of the manna and the holiness of Shabbat.
Q. Why is the blessing we make over the wine on Shabbat called, Kiddush? Why do we use two Chalot (special breads) for the Shabbat meal?
A. “Kiddush” means to sanctify.We sanctify the holy day of Shabbat over wine. The two Chalot are in commemoration for the double portion of manna which came down in honor of Shabbat.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY