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Short Summary
Main recommendation: Use Shabbos as a "sanctuary in time" (kedushat hazman) that lets you connect with Hashem wherever you are, especially while shuls and physical holy spaces are closed during the pandemic. The speaker argues that this holiness of time outranks the holiness of place, so Shabbos observance continues even when the Mishkan or shul is out of reach.
Key Points
- The Torah links the Mishkan and Shabbos: the 39 categories of forbidden melacha on Shabbos are the same actions used to build the Mishkan, and Hashem repeatedly reminded Moshe of Shabbos both before and after giving the Mishkan instructions (in Ki Tisa, Behar, and here).
- The concern was that the Jewish people might think Mishkan work could be done on Shabbos, since both represent Hashem dwelling among us, one in space and one in time.
- The Mishkan is subservient to Shabbos: when Shabbos arrives, all Mishkan work stops, because the holiness of time is greater than the holiness of space.
- Spaces come and go, so Shabbos reminds us that we can create holiness and connect to Hashem in any location.
- Shabbos is a time for quiet reflection, gratitude, joy, and family, especially during a period when normal communal life has been disrupted.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions:
- Spend some time in tefillah (prayer) this Shabbos.
- Continue saying Tehillim (Psalms); for specific needs, say particular chapters. The speaker says he will send an email later with a list of chapters for those in need.
- Take turns with your spouse this week to find a few minutes for each other, your family, your people, and the world, rather than only focusing on being stuck at home.
- Switch off on Shabbos for 25 hours: no tweets, updates, news reports, or Zoom.
- Use the quiet to think about and appreciate your blessings, even amid worry and darkness.
- Bring fun and laughter into the home, using the extra time with your nuclear family.
- Prepare for Shabbos as you would for the Mishkan experience: dress in special clothing, repair and clean the home, prepare to welcome guests, and make special foods.
- The Gemara describes Jews opening their doors on Shabbos eve and calling out "Bo'u kallah, bo'u kallah" (come, bride), welcoming Shabbos as a bride.
- The speaker describes this as the second Shabbos in which the government has barred access to shul, and he expresses the wish to return to normal communal singing and togetherness.
- The Rav is cited as explaining the distinction between kedushat hamakom (holiness of place) and kedushat hazman (holiness of time).
Bottom Line
Shabbos is a portable sanctuary, so its holiness can be accessed at home when the synagogue is closed, and the practical work for this week is to prioritize prayer, Tehillim, family connection, and joy.
