Shabbos - Like a Chosson and Kallah!

Last week, in Parshas Ki Sisa, we read the Parsha of Vshamru Bnei Yiroel Es HaShabbos. Here is an extremely important thought on our unique and wonderful relationship to Shabbos Kodesh:

Shabbos is the only day of the week in which each Tefillah of Shemone Esrei is different.
. In the evening, we recite "Ata Kidashta"-You have sanctified us.
. In the morning, we recite "Yismach Moshe"-Moshe was gladdened.
. In the afternoon, we recite "Ata Echad"-You are one.

The Sefer Avudraham (1:163) asks, why is it only on Shabbos-and not on the weekdays-or even on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur or the Shalosh Regalim-that the text of the Shemone Esrei changes at each one of the Tefillos?

He provides an amazing answer. Because Shabbos is called the "Kallah" (Bava Kama 32B), and Hakadosh Baruch Hu is called the Chosson, we first celebrate our initial participation in the Kiddushin, i.e., the commencement of the installment of Kedusha into Shabbos-by reciting "Ata Kidashta" on Leil Shabbos in ma'ariv. Indeed, it would seem that we joyously sing Lecha Dodi just as we escort the Chosson to greet the Kallah.

At Shacharis, we recite "Yismach Moshe"-Moshe rejoiced-as the Chosson's and Kallah's and participants' joy increases after the Chuppah, and as the Chassuna progresses. We are now invited to take an even more active role in the joy, as the Chosson asks us to take good care of his precious Kallah and we proudly recite "V'shomru Vnei Yisroel es HaShabbos." It is with the greatest honor and pleasure that we take the Chosson's request to heart, mind and action. As Chazal teach in Parshas Ki Sisah, we are now involved in something more important than even the building of the Bais Hamikdash (see Rashi, Shmos 31:13). We hope and pray for the Bais Hamikdash daily, yet we cannot violate Shabbos to attain it, because we have been asked to guard the Kallah.

We then continue with Mussaf, with the bringing of Korbanos as the "Seudas Mitzvah."

Finally, at Mincha we celebrate "Ata Echad"--the conclusion of the Chassuna--and the resulting unity and oneness of the Chosson and Kallah.

We may add that just as when you come home from a really joyous, nice Chassuna, or from the Chassuna of a close relative or friend, you bring the joy home with you (compare this to the Melave Malka), and the joy lasts for a few days--or even for the week, through the Sheva Brochos, so should our honored participation in the Simchas Shabbos last for several days, or perhaps even a week, until the next Shabbos--when we can once again experience transcendent and sublime joy.

There is no doubt that a direct correlation exists between the way we celebrate at a Chassuna and its lasting effect upon us. If our celebration is with the fish crepe, squash soup or well-done prime ribs in duck sauce, there will definitely be some kind of lasting effect (at least somewhere in--or on--the body!). But if we feel an internal joy out of close friendship and oneness with the Chosson and Kallah, the feeling will have even a greater impact and most certainly endure for a longer period. The feeling of closeness will cause you to "stay in contact" with the Chosson and Kallah.

Similarly, Rav Shlome Wolbe, Z'tl, once commented, that while a tasty Cholent is truly an important aspect of Shabbos, it should not in and of itself be the highlight of this sacrosanct day. Instead, we should actually try to establish the highlight of the day ourselves--our greatest moment of joy with the Chsoson and Kallah at their celebration.

Your highlight should be something special and meaningful, and may be:
. A heartfelt Lecha Dodi or Zemiros with feeling or even intensity.
. Learning Rashi, Ramban or Midrash or other commentaries on the Parsha. We can always draw wellsprings of information on how to conduct ourselves during the week by applying the Parsha's timeless and timely lessons.
. In Shacharis, reciting Nishmas slowly, word by word, or feeling moved at "Kel Adon" (not just waiting for the tune the Chazan will use).
. Helping to make the Shabbos table warm and inspirational with a poignant Devar Torah or lesson-filled story you have prepared.
. Giving meaningful advice or assistance to a Shabbos guest.

So, as we shower, shine our shoes, set the table or otherwise prepare for the great Chassuna this Shabbos, or even when we are at the Chassuna itself, let us go beyond the delectable kugels and cakes and pleasant and refreshing Shabbos nap, and think about how and what we will do this Shabbos that will permeate and elevate us and leave a supernal effect upon us through the week!

(Taken from last week's Hakhel post. Thank you to my friend-who knows who she is-for emailing this to me!)