Two Aspects of Shabbat

The Ten Commandments are mentioned twice in the Torah. There are slight differences in the text each time they are mentioned.

This is most pronounced regarding the laws related to Shabbat. In the first instance, we are commanded to, Remember (זכור) the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” In the second instance we are to, “Observe (שמור) the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

A more pronounced difference between the two references of Shabbat comes from the reasons given as to why we must observe and cherish this day.

In Shemot, the reason given is that if G-d, who needs no rest, but, nevertheless, rested on the Seventh day, then we, as humans, desperately need rest, should certainly refrain from doing work or constructive activities on the Seventh day.

It is essential that we take pause one day a week and recharge the batteries in a day of spirituality. This allows us to better cope with life’s challenges.

The second reason for Shabbat is to remind us that Hashem took us out of Egypt in order to make us free men. The ability to stop for a twenty-four hour period, and disconnect from the technological world, shows that we are indeed free. We do not answer the phone, text, or check our e-mails. We do not work on this day and do our normal daily activities.

The ability to do this, shows that we are truly free. The inability to do this shows that we are slaves to this material world, and are not really free.

These two messages of Shabbat ring loud and clear for all time. Very simply, we need rest to function, and we need to be totally free.