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To rest on the seventh day

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה מַעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ וּבַיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת לְמַ֣עַן יָנ֗וּחַ שֽׁוֹרְךָ֙ וַחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ בֶּן־אֲמָתְךָ֖ וְהַגֵּֽר׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
Exodus 23:12 - "Six days you may do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest, in order that your ox and your donkey shall rest, and your maidservant's son and the stranger shall be refreshed."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Shabbat – שַׁבָּת

We are commanded to rest on the Shabbat. This commandment, which is repeated numerous times in the Torah, also applies to our livestock and slaves.

This mitzvah commands rest on the seventh day, Shabbat, by refraining from creative labor (melachah). Shabbat testifies to the creation of the world by Hashem and affirms the covenant between Him and Israel. It is a day of holiness, spiritual renewal, and equality, when all—masters, servants, animals, and strangers—rest together. Observing Shabbat allows every Jew to step back from worldly pursuits and reaffirm that Hashem is the source of creation and sustenance.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 1:1): Shabbat is both a remembrance of creation and a sign of the covenant between Hashem and Israel.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 32): The root is to instill belief in creation ex nihilo and remind us of Hashem’s mastery over the world.
  • Talmud (Shabbat 10b): States that Shabbat is a precious gift given to Israel, symbolizing eternal peace and closeness with Hashem.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Shabbat - שַׁבָּת

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For mitzvot that honor, safeguard, and sanctify the Shabbat day of rest.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

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Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

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Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

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Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

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