When Yom Tov falls on Shabbos, the mentioning of Shabbos in the Amidah is included in the midst of the prayer of Yom Tov, with only a relatively brief mention of Shabbos with an elaborate mentioning of Yom Tov. Whereas in the Birchas HaMazon, each subject has its unique section (Shabbos – רצה והחליצנו and Yom Tov – יעלה ויבא). Why the difference?
Possibly, this difference can be explained according to the Gemara (Berachos 39a) the Amidah of Shabbos was established to have seven blessings (seven kolos mentioned by Dovid in Tehillim 29, which is also the source of 18 blessings in the weekday Amidah) and if one would separate the blessings of Shabbos and Yom Tov, then those Shabbos’ Amidah would have eight blessings. Such a limitation does not exist by Bircas HaMazon, and thus, each has its own unique section.
The reason that when Yom Tov and Shabbos coincide, Yom Tov has the main content (and Shabbos the minor part) is due to the concept (Eruvin 40b) that Yom Tov is more beloved to G-d since it occurs less frequently.
The verb חלץ (והחליצינו) can have many meanings:
- Removing an item from its place (Parsha Ki Seitzei (וחלצו נעלו מעל רגלו
- A temporary revealing of a hidden matter (Eichah 4)
- Pushing off a matter with strength (Tehillim 7)
- Being saved from an accident or a difficulty (Mishlei 11)
- Being removed or hidden from someone (Hoshea 5)
- Going in front of an army (Parshas Mattos)
- Removal from one’s set place to join an army (Parshas Mattos)
- Physical strength (Yeshayahu 58)
Chazal taught us that this word must be understood in each place according to its context.
In this prayer on Shabbos, the intention of this word is that one should prepare oneself to be strong in fulfilling the commands of G-d and His commands of the Shabbos day (and not translate the word as to be saved on this Shabbos).
