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Thought for the Day: Shabbos Is for Connecting to HaShem

One of the most difficult classes I had in graduate school was quantum mechanics. One of the most difficult problems we solved was to construct the complete description of the hydrogen atom. It used all the math we had learned until that time and added more.  It took us three weeks; every class period for three weeks was dedicated to nothing but determining that solution.  (You can check here, if you like, to get a flavor of the complexity.)  About two weeks in, I stopped the professor and asked, "Wait... what are we doing?"  All I saw was three chalkboards filled with equations.  When I looked in my notes, all I saw was page after page of equations. He looked at me a bit quizzically and said, "We're solving the hydrogen atom." I was so mired in the details that I needed a reminder of the big picture.

I spent a very nice week working from Boca Raton last week.  (Long story about why and how that worked out; but it did.) The rabbi there likes to present a halachic issue on Friday night to "seed" the conversation at the Shabbos table. That week the discussion was whether one is allowed to study on Shabbos for a test on Monday; if so, what might be the issues. Of course there is the problem of preparing on Shabbos for a weekday. There are certain topics that are just off the table, such as history. There are some topics that may lead one to write (math), so special care needs to be taken. Don't forget the ever popular: but is it in the spirit of Shabbos?  Very cool; lively discussion at shul; expected lively discussion at Shabbos table.

At an appropriate juncture, my son-in-law posed the question: Do you think it is ok to study for a test on Shabbos?  My eldest granddaughter (bless her beautiful heart) answered without hesitation, "No.  Shabbos is a day for coming closer to HaShem." End of discussion. Nothing about the spirit of Shabbos, the topic of the test, the possible prohibitions that might be transgressed, the preparation. I was so proud.

There is a saying: Keep your head in the clouds and feet on the ground. Of course all those details are precisely an issue because Shabbos is a day to come closer to HaShem. All the prohibitions are nothing more -- nor less -- that removing the barriers to building a closer relationship with HaShem. Think: How many times can you remember turning down an opportunity to connect with your grandparents, but you were busy. Your parents; but you were busy. Your spouse; but you were too busy. My grandparents and parents are no longer available. I didn't grow up with Shabbos, so I had no scheduled time to focus my attention on what's important.

Baruch HaShem, I still have a spouse, and children, and grandchildren... and Shabbos to put the world in the background so I can come closer to my spouse, my children, my grandchildren, and HaShem.
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