Unlocking the Hidden Power of Shabbat

Elevating Shabbat Through Joy, Rest, and Blessing
Shabbat is more than just a day of rest. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the sacred. The Tur (Orach Chaim 290) writes that one should enjoy fruits and delicacies throughout the day, not only to enhance oneg Shabbat (Shabbat pleasure), but also to complete the count of 100 daily blessings, which fall short due to the abbreviated Shemoneh Esrei (the silent prayer).

Rest, too, plays a central role. According to the Tur, someone who is accustomed to napping on Shabbat afternoon should continue doing so, as it contributes to the day’s joy. Yet the Mishnah Berurah adds a word of caution: even Torah scholars should be careful not to overindulge, lest too much leisure lead to bitul Torah (neglect of Torah study).

The Mishnah Berurah also warns against saying, “Let’s take a nap so we can work after Shabbat,” because that points to a mindset focused on the weekday, rather than honoring the day of rest for its own sake.

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Bringing Holiness into Mind and Speech
The holiness of Shabbat isn't just about what we do. It extends to how we speak, what we learn, and even what we think. The Mishnah Berurah, quoting the Zohar, teaches that it’s a mitzvah to innovate new Torah insights on Shabbat. For those unable to generate their own chidushim (original Torah ideas), studying something unfamiliar is just as valuable.

The Yesod VeShoresh HaAvodah reinforces this idea, noting that Hashem doesn’t demand brilliant insights. Instead, each person should contribute according to their abilities. Whether one clarifies a detail of halacha (Jewish law) or finds new meaning in a verse, the effort itself brings joy to the Divine. Further, even reflecting on a new personal goal in Divine service counts as spiritual innovation. Whether it's improving focus during prayer, reducing idle speech, or strengthening Torah study habits, any sincere commitment made on Shabbat is cherished by Hashem and celebrated in the Heavenly realms.

Sanctifying Thought, Guarding Speech
The Shulchan Aruch teaches that running is generally discouraged on Shabbat, unless it’s for the sake of a mitzvah (commandment), like going to synagogue. Likewise, the verse “vedaber davar” (“and speak a word”) is interpreted to mean that weekday speech should be set aside. One should avoid saying things like “Tomorrow I’ll do this” or “I’ll buy that,” and even idle chatter should be limited. The Kad HaKemach recommends speaking calmly and sparingly on Shabbat to preserve its peaceful spirit.

Though thinking about business is technically permitted, the Shulchan Aruch encourages avoiding such thoughts altogether to enhance oneg Shabbat. The Mishnah Berurah adds that if such thoughts cause worry or distress, they should certainly be avoided. The Ben Ish Chai goes even further, stating that weekday work plans conceived on Shabbat often lack blessing because they were born from thoughts that detract from the day’s sanctity.

This idea is illustrated in a story about a once-prosperous Jewish philanthropist in Jerusalem. After his fortune began to slip away, his friends turned to the righteous Rabbi Shlomo of Zvhil. The rabbi sighed and quoted the Talmud (Gittin 38b), which says that one reason people lose their wealth is because they inspect their property on Shabbat. When the man heard this, he admitted that he often found it difficult to stop thinking about his business during the holy day.

Conclusion
Shabbat invites us to shift our mindset, slow our pace, and infuse our lives with purpose. By honoring the day through meaningful rest, mindful speech, and personal growth, we open ourselves to the deeper blessings Shabbat offers.