Yitro 5772

In this week's parsha, the Jewish people receive the Ten Commandments, one of which is "Remember the Shabbat (Sabbath) day."

How do we fulfill the mitzvah to remember Shabbat?

Remembering Shabbat means more than merely not forgetting to observe Shabbat when it comes each week. It means keeping Shabbat in mind and remaining aware of it all week long. The Hebrew language contains a tool to help us accomplish this: what we call the days of the week in Hebrew expresses their relationship to Shabbat. Sunday is Yom Rishon, the first day to Shabbat; Monday is Yom Sheni, the second day, and so on until we reach the seventh day, which Torah names Shabbat.

Naming the days by number helps us to remember that G-d creates the heavens, the Earth and its inhabitants in six days. It helps us to recall that G-d distinguishes the seventh day from the rest of the week not only by stopping creation on that day and by resting, but by giving the day a special name.

Even when we do mundane activities such as shopping, we should have Shabbat in mind. In the course of our daily errands and duties, if we come across something special that would beautify or enhance our Shabbat, or make our Shabbat memorable, we should purchase it and put it aside for Shabbat. Many children associate oneg Shabbat (the joy of Shabbat) with the eating of sweets and treats served exclusively on Shabbat.

We should remember to arrange our busy schedules and to utilize our weekday time efficiently so that we can refrain from even thinking about work on Shabbat, and thus can take time to rest and refresh ourselves on Shabbat.

As parents, our work is never done – there will always be more to do at the office as well as at home. Remembering Shabbat frees us from the temptation to work continually and allows us to stop and appreciate our accomplishments when Shabbat arrives.