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Shabbat Prayers: Minchah: Rabbi Samson R Hirsch



The 9th of Iyar is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Yitzchak Bernays (Barneis) (1792-1849), teacher of Rav Shamshon Rafael Hirsch. “You are One and Your Name is One, and who is like Your people, Israel, a people unique on earth?” A Shabbat truly observed by the renunciation of even the most tempting opportunity for gain, betokens a spiritual and moral greatness characterized by trust in God and by regard only for values far greater than tangible, material treasures.

 

Moreover, the Shabbat sanctifies all of our energies so that we may faithfully employ them in the service of God even during the weekday work. Even by virtue of its influence, making us more worthy of Divine aid and support, the Shabbat already crowns us with a sense of Divinely given salvation.

If, with the coming of each Shabbat, the person takes all that he has created in the loyal service of God during the workday week, having done his share, regardless of whether or not he has attained his goals, and humbly lays it all at God’s feet, submitting it to His examining eye, has already made his contribution in full. He has then achieved his goal, for he needs and wants nothing else but the joyous realization that he has faithfully performed his service before God. Every Shabbat will make him happy.

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