#12: Machshavah

The Shulchan Aruch HaRav and Chida write that the idea of declaring that one's special food be for Shabbat applies not only to the purchase of food, but also to all other preparations that one does for Shabbat: "It is good to say about everything that one purchases [for Shabbat] that it is for the honor of Shabbat. Likewise, everything that one does [to prepare for Shabbat], it is good to think that one is doing it for the honor of Shabbat." (S.A. HaRav, O.C. 250) "Everything that one does on Friday, with regard to Shabbat necessities [i.e., food], bathing, clothing, and the like, one should declare verbally that he is doing it for the honor of the holy Shabbat." (Chida, Moreh B'etzba)

The Piskei Teshuvot (O.C. 250:1) mentions this idea as well and notes that if one follows these suggestions, it causes the holiness of Shabbat to permeate and take hold over that object or activity. Having in mind or declaring specifically that all of one’s activities are to prepare for Shabbat is a wonderful way to transform one’s Friday from an ordinary day that happens to come before Shabbat to “Erev Shabbat.” Every activity one does is not simply another activity; it connects one to Shabbat and brings a little of the holiness of Shabbat into Friday.

May we all merit to transform our Friday into Shabbat!  

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.