The unique quality of Shabbat derived from two types of mitzvot. We have the mitzvot of sanctification such as candle lighting and Kiddush ;equally important we have mitzvot which require that we refrain from certain activities and work.
These two aspects of Shabbat are expressed in the Torah in two different instances in which we are commanded to “Zachor (remember) the Shabbat to keep it holy…”and “Shamor (guard) the Shabbat to keep it holy…”
“Zachor”(remember) deals to the positive commandments of the day- the things we do. “Shamor”(guard) refers to the negative commandments of the day-things we abstain from doing, for example:cooking, turning on fire, turning on a light. These type of work is known as a “Melacha,” which represent the 39 different categories of work done to build the Mishkan (the traveling sanctuary which the Jews used during their time in the desert.
Someone new to Shabbat may look at all these prohibitions as a nuance, however the unique way in which we keep Shabbat really enhances the day by making it different from the rest of the week creating a whole new frame of mind for Shabbat.
Excerpts from “Spice and Spirit”
Shabbat Shalom
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