All Fired Up - The soul of Shabbat

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All Fired Up: The soul of Shabbat

A new and deeply personal appreciation of Shabbat emerges as we examine: (a) the nature of work forbidden on Shabbat; (b) the connection between Shabbat and the construction of the Sanctuary; (c) why the Torah singles out the prohibition of kindling a fire to teach something novel about the Shabbat labors. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 36, parshas Vayakhel)

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Topics:	ויקהל, Shabbat, 39 Melachot, Fire, Mavir, Prohibition of Work on Shabbat, Vayak'hel-Pekudei, Vayak'hel

By Moishe New

Rabbi Moishe New heads the Montreal Torah Center. He is a sought out lecturer on Kabbalah and Chassidus, and their relevance in our lives today.

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2 Comments

John M Hummasti Portland April 14, 2021

The Torah commands that the "Fire on the Altar" be kept burning continually to teach that our passion or love for HaShem never cease. Starting a fire, on the other hand, means that we create something new: much effort or labor goes into kindling a fire from scratch. from gathering sticks, arranging them in their set order and then striking a flame from flint and metal requires a degree of mental concentration, agility of the hands and a certain amount of passion. Yet the Torah commands that everything should be prepared in advance so that one may focus on the higher aspect of Shabbat which is to worship the Creator.... Reply

Bea Devorah Western NY March 23, 2017

I do believe there is much much more to this verse I wish I could find a rabbi that could read this word for word and show me where this Do not kindle a fire on Shabbat translation comes from which is then used to create the rabbinal call to not start a car engine. Yes, I will joyfully abide in not kindling a fire on Shabbat but I see the wilderness of Ishmael's conception here when I read it. And the Sabbatical year being grieved for. I'm not great with Torah Hebrew but I'm pretty sure what I'm reading is not as simple as it is conveyed. I sure would love a word by word explanation of why the wilderness of Paran is in this - לֹא־תְבַעֲרוּ -. No burning (Paran) fire! This is the place where Sari demanded Abram to conceive a child with Hagar. Is this the type of fire not to cause to burn? Did Sari create a FIRE/Ishmael by not believing she would be the mother of her husband's child. Did she create the fire Ishmael by not having patience and believing? Are we to not give up belief and be patient of Shabbat so we too don't create a "fire" Reply