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The most profound opposition in the world is the dichotomy between the spiritual and the physical, between body and soul. When viewed with “weekday eyes,” they appear to be warring and interfering with each other. But Shabbat reveals that the body and the soul complement one another. The soul brings life and blessing to the body, while the body provides the soul with a way to express itself. Therefore, on Shabbat we are commanded to enjoy ourselves both physically and spiritually, through Torah study and prayer, and through festive meals and sleep.
During the week, it seems that everyone competes and fights over wealth and honor, and one person’s gain is another person’s loss. This leads to a contentious society in which success is based on being dishonest. But on Shabbat, we connect with the Source of life and understand that everyone shares that source. Deep down, we all yearn for God. Even the forces that seem divisive can complement and cross-fertilize each other. Even the wicked have a positive purpose (in that they can inspire the righteous), and thus they contain a spark of goodness.
Our Sages tell us that the world is sustained through peace. What brings peace to the world? Shabbat, which fosters peace on heaven and earth. Therefore, we must be very careful not to mar the sanctity of Shabbat through quarrels. Someone who feels sad should try to overcome this mood on Shabbat. If spouses or friends are at odds with one another, they should try to reconcile their differences on Shabbat. For Shabbat can bring peace and harmony not only to values that conflict, but to people who clash as well. This is why the traditional greeting on Shabbat is “Shabbat Shalom,” (Shabbat peace).
