What is the Importance of Keeping Shabbos?

by Elisheva

Jewish Art ♡ Brachi Horen

When we enter Shabbos, we recite Kabbalos Shabbos and kiddush on Friday night as well as following with daytime kiddush the next day. We ask HaShem to "Grant us Your holy Shabbos" even though we already received Shabbos on Friday.

Why do we ask HaShem to "Grant us Your holy Shabbos?"

Because there is a great difference between our Shabbos, the one we observe, and the Shabbos of HaShem. This is a light hidden from us, so in davening we are asking for HaShem's holy Shabbos—to give us an additional neshama, a pure heart and mind to grasp the Shabbos that HaShem Himself observes.

In Jewish mystical tradition, Shabbos is not just a time on our calendar; it is a mystical entity on its own—a state of being when we enter and keep Shabbos holy to make a vessel for HaShem to dwell in and to increase a sense of closeness to HaShem.

There are many levels of such an experience, but the ultimate Shabbos is HaShem's own. Our Shabbos is a small part of that Shabbos mystery that HaShem allows us to share when we receive this precious gift.

By means of the thirty-nine melachos the Mishkan was built, fulfilling the words, "Know Him in all your ways." The Mishkan was built through which HaShem's presence could dwell in the lower parts, bringing them to their upper root. This established that HaShem rules over the entire world and all living creatures.

Making a home for HaShem throughout the world by the thirty-nine melachos, which together represent all of the universe, all of us are uplifted by the holiness of Shabbos, whose light spreads throughout the world and all existence.

Our sacred labour during the week engages us fully with the world, finding what needs to be repaired and always seeking to restore wholeness. With this work we embrace humanity but also reach far beyond.

The Zohar teaches us that Shabbos is the name of HaShem and is perfect in every aspect, which means that nothing is lacking, and it needs no work to fulfil any of our needs.

For that reason Chazal teach us that we should celebrate Shabbos as if all work is done and that we are lacking nothing. If, however, we behave in any other way (that we still have needs), we demonstrate that we are not part of our community, as we act as though the Divine Presence is not with us.

It is not just regular work that is prohibited; even work on the Mishkan was prohibited on Shabbos: "I shall dwell within the children of Israel" ~ Shemos 29:45, which means we become a dwelling place for HaShem. The Talmud teaches us in Shabbos 118b ~ "If Israel only kept two Shabbosos, they would immediately be redeemed."

What are those two Shabbatot the Talmud is talking about?

The Zohar explains that Shabbos is the name of HaShem, perfect in every way. Shabbos is the life-force of both the upper world and the lower world—the flow of the Divine Presence as it reduces itself and enters this world in the form of the seventh day.

That seventh day is what we call Shabbos. The upper Shabbos is the soul of the entire cosmos, even passing through cycles of the six days. The upper Shabbos concentrates itself, giving life to the world.

By not fulfilling Shabbos, we remove that upper life-force, the Divine Shabbos, the cosmic soul, and kill the world, taking the soul from it. When we fulfil both Shabbosos—the upper Shabbos, the soul of existence, and the lower Shabbos—HaShem's name will be revealed on the seventh day and within the limitations of time, allowing Shabbos to serve as a bond between Israel (the Jewish people) and HaShem. This is how we connect to HaShem.

The Midrash describes Shabbos as the Bride of Israel, but in identifying Shabbos with the Divine Presence—the cosmic "seventh day"—Kabbalah introduces Shabbos as the Bride of HaShem, the Bride that joins together. It is around this mystery that the Shabbos hymn/song "Lecha Dodi" is composed.

When you look at Shabbos in this light, your eyes will behold wonders, and your neshama will feel a sense of elevated holiness.

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Elisheva – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit

Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.