#159: Machshavah

Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk (in his teachings on Shabbat) points out that the wine of Havdalah represents the joy that continues even as we leave the heightened spirituality of Shabbat. He explains that Havdalah helps us retain some of that Shabbat joy as we enter the ordinary days of the week, and the wine serves as a reminder that even as we transition back into the mundane world, we should still carry a sense of joy and sanctity into the week.

This idea of maintaining spiritual joy despite challenges is particularly poignant when we reflect on the recently freed hostage Agam Berger, who reportedly kept Shabbat throughout her captivity in Gaza (as did her parents). Though she may not have had the ability to recite Havdalah over wine, perhaps the deeper spiritual joy and connection to Shabbat she carried with her helped her endure the extraordinary trials she faced. Just as the wine of Havdalah symbolizes carrying some of Shabbat’s light and joy into the week, perhaps this internalized strength helped Agam maintain her spiritual resilience through unimaginable hardships.

As we prepare to move forward into our own weeks, may we all take the message of the wine of Havdalah—that joy and holiness should not end with Shabbat, but rather extend into the days ahead. Let us also pray for the speedy return of all hostages and a world filled with simcha (joy) and happiness.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.