This week, we read two Parshiot: Vayakhel and Pekudei. They both describe in detail the building of the Sanctuary, the portable Temple which was to become the home for G-d's Presence to dwell amongst the Jewish people. At the very beginning of Vayakhel (the first of the two), it tells us that Moses gathered together the whole nation to announce the importance of observing the Shabbat. Why was this necessary?
One answer is, the enthusiasm and generosity displayed by everyone in the task of building the Sanctuary was remarkable. One might expect that such crucial work as building G-d's house might override the laws of Shabbat. Moses called this general gathering in order to emphasize and help us understand the nature of Shabbat. The message was: Nothing, except a matter of life and death, is more important than the observance of the Shabbat.
The Torah tells us not to work on Shabbat. But how do you define 'work'?
Our Sages explain that the kind of work we are forbidden to do on Shabbat is precisely the kind of activity which went into making the Sanctuary. They define thirty nine categories of work. Based on this system, one is able to analyze all of our daily activities, including those which depend on modern technology, and define which kinds of activity are forbidden and which are permitted on Shabbat.
The daily work of the Jewish people then, was to build a Sanctuary. In a sense, our work too during the six days of the week, taken on its highest level, is for the same purpose: to reveal the Presence of G-d. But on Shabbat, in a remarkable way, the Sanctuary is complete. For this reason, no further work is necessary.
On Shabbat, there is an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that descends onto our home. It transforms our home into an island of holiness. The special glow from the Shabbat candles, the father making Kiddush over a goblet of wine-what a contrast to the whirlpool of activity in the streets outside.
The Shechina, the Presence of the Divine, is in every Jewish home on Shabbat.
Make her feel welcome.
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