91

To sanctify the day with Kiddush and Havdalah

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Shabbat – שַׁבָּת

Sanctify Shabbat at its entry and departure with words — Kiddush and Havdalah.

This mitzvah commands us to sanctify Shabbat verbally at its beginning and end — through Kiddush on Friday night and Havdalah at the conclusion of Shabbat. Kiddush declares the holiness of Shabbat and recalls both creation and the Exodus, while Havdalah acknowledges the separation between sacred and mundane. By framing Shabbat with words of sanctity, we elevate the day and engrain its holiness into the rhythm of Jewish life.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 29:1): States that the Torah command is to remember Shabbat through words of sanctification at its entrance and exit.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 31): The root is to engrave Shabbat’s holiness into our hearts, ensuring it is remembered not only in thought but proclaimed aloud.
  • Talmud (Pesachim 106a): Derives the obligation of Kiddush and Havdalah from the verse “Remember the Shabbat day to sanctify it.”
(Source: Chabad.org)
זָכ֛וֹר֩ אֶת־י֥֨וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖֜ת לְקַדְּשֽׁ֗וֹ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת יִתְרוֹ
Exodus 20:8 - "Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Shabbat - שַׁבָּת

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

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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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