הישמיענו קל המיוחד – Hishmiyanu Keil Ha’Meyuchad. (He) let us hear, O’ unique (singular) G-d.
This stanza highlights Hashem’s unique Oneness which is deeply connected to the unity of Shabbos. Likewise, the Kedushas Shabbos, holiness of the day, is not ordinary sanctity. We recognize two forms of kedushah; the first one is generated by man, i.e., human ideals, social rest, spiritual time out. The verse is teaching us otherwise. Kedushas Shabbos is Heavenly created and mandated. Hashem sent down/presented us with His very special gift: Shabbos, gift-wrapped in Heavenly kedushah. This is a kedushah that transcends anything we can achieve in this world. A human being cannot create such sanctity. One of Shabbos’ unique characteristics is that Hashem unified all reality into one. Shabbos is the essence of unity. Perhaps this is why it is so egregious to allow discord to penetrate kedushas Shabbos. Indeed, on Shabbos, we tap into its kedushah and become elevated thereby. In conclusion: we do not make Shabbos; Shabbos makes us.
