Rav Biderman teaches that keeping Shabbat will bring the Geulah (redemption). While there's a promise that if the Jewish people keep two Shabbatot, the collective redemption will come, he reveals another dimension: observing the final two Shabbatot of the year properly can bring about one's personal redemption and salvation.
The Essential Ingredient of Joy
Rav Gladstein emphasizes that doing mitzvot with Simcha (joy) surpasses all other aspects of observance. He notes that the Ari HaKadosh attributed all his kabbalistic insights to performing mitzvot with joy. More sobering is his warning that not only might one forfeit reward when performing mitzvot without joy, but as we learn in the Torah portion:
"Tachat asher lo avadata et Hashem b'simcha..." (Because you did not serve H’shem with joy...)
The Significance of Year-End Shabbatot
Rav Rosenblum, quoting Rav Levinshtein, highlights the profound importance of the year's final Shabbatot. These aren't merely days of rest but powerful opportunities for teshuvah and spiritual elevation.
Our sages teach that Shabbat encompasses the entire Torah—its proper observance equates to fulfilling all divine commandments. These final weeks offer an extraordinary opportunity to rectify an entire year's worth of Shabbatot through careful observance of these two.
Seven Focus Areas for These Special Shabbatot
1. Extend Shabbat
Begin Shabbat ten minutes earlier and conclude it ten minutes later than the calendar times indicate.
2. Words of Torah
Learn two laws of Shabbat during each meal, elevating your table to the level of a Mishkan (sanctuary).
3. Guard Your Speech
Direct all conversations toward holiness and away from mundane matters.
4. Practice Patience
Avoid anger at all costs. When tempted to react negatively, smile and remember that H'shem is with you—you'll overcome challenges together. If you can't maintain composure for yourself, do it for Him.
5. Enhance Prayer
Recite prayers and Tehillim with greater kavanah and increase your practice as much as possible.
6. Honor Shabbat
Sanctify Shabbat with beautiful clothing, a beautifully set table, and special foods and treats in honor of the day.
7. Mindful Preparation
Remember that your energy while cooking infuses the food and affects those who eat it. Prepare with thoughts of love for Torah, prayer, joy, redemption, and salvation. If you feel irritated, pause, reset your mood, and resume with positive intention.
The Broader Impact
Every effort to sanctify these two Shabbatot extends far beyond yourself, uplifting your family and strengthening the entire Jewish nation. These Shabbatot hold the potential to usher in the complete redemption, may it come speedily in our days. pic by cottonbro studio
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