Interestingly, Shabbos shares many similarities to marriage. The Jewish people welcome and embrace the Shabbos Kallah, the Shabbos Queen, mirroring the loving embrace of a husband and wife. We are as well commanded to honor Shabbos, just as a husband is required to honor his wife more than himself (Yevamos 62b).
I thus often remind young adults entering the shidduch phase of something often overlooked or never even considered. When looking into a prospective shidduch, inquire as to how the other party relates to Shabbos. How does the person spend his or her time when all is quiet? The way a person respects and treats the Shabbos Kallah is often indicative of how they will relate to their spouse. If they are able to sit still and bask in the moment of silence, simplicity and spirituality, such behavior will likely transfer over and form the loving and attentive relationship a future husband and wife will enjoy.
Shabbos & Marriage
A Short Message From Rabbi Yitzchak Feldheim
