Shabbat

(Adapted from "Shabbos in my Soul by R'Boruch Leff)
We all know the famous Midrash where Shabbos came before Hashem and complained that it doesn't have a partner when every other day of the week does; Sunday has Monday, Tuesday has Wednesday, Thursday has Friday. But what about Shabbat? So Hashem answered that Shabbat has Am Yisrael, the Jewish people!

What exactly does this mean? The thing that gives any day value is the fact that there's a tomorrow. I do something to bring along a result. I study to get a job. I get a job to pay bills. If there was no tomorrow, I wouldn't do anything today. So each day has value, which is why Shabbat complained because then it would have no value because it doesn't have a tomorrow, a pair. But Hashem answers that Shabbat's partner is much more elevated. Shabbat is a completely spiritual day and it is designed to fulfil Am Yisrael's need for spirituality.

In that case, then, let us use this Shabbat and indeed every Shabbat in its intended purpose; to reach spiritual heights when we might not have as much chance during the week when we are working towards physical stability. Our actions and speech should be elevated and we should only have in mind Hashem's kedusha.

Shabbat shalom