Shabbat Prayers: Mussaf: Rabbi Samson R Hirsch: Delighting in Shabbat

The 9th of Iyar is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Yitzchak Bernays (Barneis) (1792-1849), teacher of Rav Shamshon Rafael Hirsch. “Those who keep the Shabbat and call it a delight shall rejoice in Your kingdom; the nation that sanctifies the Seventh Day shall all be satisfied and shall delight in Your good.” Here we speak of those who equate their subordination to God as expressed in the observance of the Shabbat by the cessation of all labor, not with loss or handicap, but with actual gain and true delight.

Those who have this attitude to Shabbat observance will receive honor that is truly everlasting.

Those who know how to appreciate and savor the spiritual values symbolized by the Shabbat, will partake of the bliss of eternal life even in this world.

The mere knowledge gathered by him who studies the Shabbat laws represents a great gain in itself.