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How does Shabbos (שבת) reconnect us with our elevated spiritual nature? The Ramchal teaches that avoiding melacha represents recognition that true sustenance comes from Hashem (ה׳), not physical effort. This transforms Shabbos from restriction into spiritual elevation, allowing us to temporarily return to our pre-sin state of direct divine connection.
This shiur provides a comprehensive analysis of the Ramchal's teachings on holiness and periodic observances from Derech HaShem (ה׳), pages 335-339. Rabbi Zweig begins by establishing that holiness fundamentally means being in connection with Hashem and removed from the physical world that has become intertwined with sin. He explains the paradoxical nature of kodesh (holy/removed) versus chol (mundane/present) from both human and divine perspectives - what appears mundane to us is actually spiritual from God's view, while what seems removed to us connects us to the divine. The core discussion focuses on Shabbos (שבת) as the highest level of sanctity. The Ramchal explains that man was necessarily lowered from his ideal state to enable free choice, but Shabbos provides an opportunity to reconnect with his elevated status. This requires conducting oneself appropriately through both negative commandments (avoiding melachos that connect us to the physical) and positive commandments (kiddush, oneg Shabbos, havdalah that honor the day's holiness).
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Derech HaShem pages 335-339
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