By Rabbi Dovid Sapirman, Dean, Ani Maamin Foundation
The Gemara tells us that when Hashem was ready to give the mitzvah of Shabbos, He said the following: “Moshe, I have a wonderful gift in my treasury called Shabbos. Go and tell them about it.” If Hashem wanted to give klal Yisrael the Shabbos, why not just give it? Why did Moshe have to tell them first? For the Shabbos to be that promised treasure, we must prepare to receive it. Otherwise, we will hear only the restrictions and fail to see the beauty.
Shabbos is described as mei’ein Olam Haba. Just as we enjoy the fruits of our accomplishments in the Next World, but cannot achieve anything more, so too on Shabbos we eat only what we have prepared and do not do any further melachos. Just as our enjoyment in the Next World comes from our closeness to the Shechina, so too does Shabbos engender a closeness to Hashem.
The Friday night zemer Kol Mekadeish opens with an intriguing line: “All who sanctify the Shabbos as befits it, all who guard the Shabbos from desecration, their reward will be very great in accordance with their actions—each man at his camp, each man by his flag.”
The Chofetz Chaim explains that there are two types of shomrei Shabbos. One person sanctifies the Shabbos, makes the Shabbos holy. He reflects on the idea that Hashem is the Creator, who made everything in six days and stopped on the seventh. He realizes how much we owe Hashem and rededicates himself more and more to His service.
But there is a second type of shomer Shabbos. He may guard the Shabbos from desecration—he would not turn on a light or engage in any other forbidden activities—but does not grow from the experience. He does not feel inspired. He is no closer to his Creator than he was on Friday afternoon. Both people will receive their reward—but “in accordance with his actions.”
There is a famous question asked regarding Tehillim, perek 91. It begins “Mizmor shir l’yom hashabbos,” yet does not mention Shabbos again. The perek simply discusses how wonderful the world is, our thanks to Hashem for his kindness, and the eventual justice He will mete out. Yet this is what we should think about on Shabbos—Hashem’s Creations, and how much we owe Him.
The forbidden melachos of Shabbos are all of a creative nature. Sewing, writing, and building all change something or make something new. These activities make us feel that we are in control of our lives. When Shabbos comes and we refrain from them, we are reminded that the only true Creator is Hashem. It is His world. The creativity, ingenuity, and energy that we use to change our world come from Him alone.
