“Who can express in words what Shabbos has meant to the Jews
throughout the generations?
At week’s end, the galus Jew trudges wearily home, bearing
in his heart the incessant pain and the burdens of his downtrodden people.
Nevertheless, even as he winds his way along the narrow paths of the ghetto,
his heart is filled with joyous anticipation, for he knows that the unique
beauty and sanctity of the Shabbos will soon encompass him and that its
magnificent blessings will soon descend upon his home.
As his wife lights the Shabbos candles, the Jew is aware
that these lights usher in an aura of shalom bayis; peace and serenity will
quickly permeate his home. His Shabbos table radiates joy and happiness and is
set as for a king. On this day his soul rejoices, and as a man reborn, he
raises his voice in song.
This is the island of spiritual strength amidst the
turbulent sea of exile. This is his Shabbos – sacred day of rest, and
never-ending source of spiritual rejuvenation.”
-Rav Zechariah Fendel : Seasons
of Splendor
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