Oneg Shabbat, Neshama Yeteira, and the Revelation of Elijah: 7 Jewish Concepts You Must Know

Judaism is filled with meaningful concepts that reflect the principles of faith and tradition. Get to know these 7 important concepts:

1. Oneg Shabbat

Oneg Shabbat refers to the special physical and spiritual pleasure that one should experience on Shabbat. Shabbat is meant to be a day of rest and joy, and the mitzvah of Oneg Shabbat includes eating fine foods, wearing nice clothing, and maintaining a pleasant spiritual atmosphere, as it is said, "Call the Shabbat a delight" (Isaiah 58).

2. Unnecessary Blessing

The concept of an "unnecessary blessing" refers to a blessing said by mistake, for example, if someone blesses the same food twice or blesses before performing a mitzvah that has already been fulfilled. One should avoid unnecessary blessings since one should not recite Hashem's name in vain.

3. Neshama Yeteira (Extra Soul)

On Shabbat, a person receives an "neshama yeteira" – an additional soul that grants him higher spiritual capabilities than usual. This extra soul helps one experience Shabbat in a special way and fill himself with spiritual energy. On Shabbat, the extra soul also enhances joy, calmness, and spiritual connection with Hashem.

4. The Revelation of Eliyahu (Elijah)

"The Revelation of Eliyahu" refers to instances where the prophet Eliyahu appears to the people. Jewish tradition teaches that Eliyahu appears in special situations, mainly to bring good news or assist individuals. According to tradition, Eliyahu will be the one to announce the coming of the redemption.

5. The Guest's Blessing

The Guest's Blessing is a blessing recited by a guest at the end of the meal (during the Grace After Meals) in which he blesses his host and thanks him for his hospitality. The blessing appears in the Talmud (in Tractate Berachot) and expresses the guest's hope that his host's home will be filled with blessing, wealth, and joy, and that nothing will be lacking in it.

6. Zimun

When three (or more) adult males eat a meal together, they recite the zimun formulation before the Grace After Meals. In the zimun, one of the participants invites the others to join him in reciting the Grace After Meals together.

7. Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)

Pirkei Avot is a tractate of Mishnah that contains a collection of the Sages' moral sayings and life guidance. The chapters of Pirkei Avot deal with issues of character development, personal integrity, relationships between people, and faith in Hashem. This tractate is often studied between Pesach and Shavuot (when we count the omer) in order to improve one's character traits and be worthy of receiving the Torah.