THE IMPORTANCE OF HONORING SHABBOS
A Letter From Shabbos to the Ibn Ezra
By: Rav Sholom Klass
The Ibn Ezra, one of the great Rabbonim of the Middle Ages, was born in 1092 in Tudela, Spain. Many stories are told about him and his wanderings. The Ibn Ezra traveled throughout Europe. He visited Egypt, Eretz Yisrael and many African countries.
The Ibn Ezra wrote such beautiful poems and commentaries on the Torah that Rabbeinu Tam, the greatest of the Ba’alei Tosafos, sent him this letter:
“My father, Avrohom Ezra, I am a servant to Avrohom and his cattle, I kneel and bow before you.”
The Ibn Ezra, in his humility, hastened to reply:
“Is it right for the leader of the nation, the chieftain, to lower himself in writing to the shamed of the people? Heaven forbid that an angel of Hashem should bow and humble himself to Bilom.”
It happened in the year 4919 (1159) on Shabbos night, the fourteenth day of Teves, Ibn Ezra, then in London, fell into a deep and enjoyable sleep. While asleep, he had a dream in which he saw a tall, aristocratic man carrying a sealed letter.
“Are you the Ibn Ezra?” asked the man.
“Yes,” he answered.
“I have a letter for you from Shabbos HaMalka,” the man said.
The Ibn Ezra bowed low and said, “Know that from the day I began to recite the holy name of Hashem, I have always loved Shabbos. Before she would arrive on Friday night, I would always rush in advance to greet her and when she would leave I would send her off with song and happiness. I am her most loyal and devoted subject.”
“I know,” answered the man. “That is why she writes you this letter.”
With trembling hands, the Ibn Ezra unfolded the letter and as he read the words they entered his heart as sweet honey drops.
“To my loyal friend,” the letter began. “I am Shabbos HaMalka, adorned in holy laws. I am the fourth of the Aseres HaDibros, and I am the binding sign between Hashem and His children for all future generations.”
The letter continued, “On my day, Hashem rested from His work. On my day, no mon would fall. I am the one day of happiness, light and enjoyment for the tired mortals on this earth. Even the dead in Gehinnom bless me for the one day of respite afforded them.”
And now the letter continued in a pleading tone. “I come to you, my good and loyal friend, to help me. One of your educated pupils has now published a book commenting on the Torah. In this book he urges the people to violate Friday night and to begin the Shabbos on Saturday morning. He attempts to prove from the Torah that I was born in the morning and not the evening before. By doing that he will virtually cut me in half. Please help me!”
