Among various matters concerning the Sanctuary in the desert, our Torah portion discusses the observance of Shabbat.
As part of this discussion, we find the verse: "And the Children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant." From the first part of the verse it seems that in essence Shabbat is intrinsically a holy day, and the verse states that the Jewish people shall keep it holy. Regardless of whether or not it is observed, it remains sanctified and separate from the rest of the week.
This would seem to leave little for us to do concerning Shabbat. If it is already holy, does it really matter if we observe it? In answer to this question we have the second part of our verse, "observing the Sabbath...." Through our observance of Shabbat - by lighting Shabbat candles, making kiddush, partaking of a Shabbat meal and resting (from creative work) - we actually enhance Shabbat.
Each one of us has the ability and opportunity to "do our part" to sanctify the Sabbath. With each Shabbat mitzva we observe, we bring an added holiness into this holy day.
It is not often that we have the opportunity to perform mitzvot whose benefit or purpose we can actually see. However, when it comes to lighting Shabbat candles, part of the commandment to "observe the Sabbath," we see the light the candles bring into our home. In addition to their physical light, the candles also bring with them a spiritual light, warmth and peace, which permeate the home and family.
Visit our dedicated Shabbat section on our website for manuals, multimedia and insights at chabadtexas.org/shabbat. To get your own free starter kit visit www.fridaylight.org.
Wishing you a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim
ChabadTexas.org Editor
Adapted from Lchaim Weekly
