How the Avos Experience Shabbos

Avraham rejoices, Yitzchak sings, and Yaakov rests. But what does that mean? Why do we mention the Avos in Mincha of Shabbos, each with a different reaction? And what do their middos teach us about the deeper essence of the day?

Avraham, the embodiment of chesed, sees Shabbos as a flood of divine generosity—Mekor HaBracha—and rejoices in its abundance. Yitzchak, the pillar of gevurah, understands that true Shabbos menucha is about discipline, about channeling everything back to Hashem, so he sings in recognition. But Yaakov, the bechir haAvos, experiences Shabbos in its fullest form—pure menucha, where all physicality is elevated and the material world itself becomes ruchniyus. This is why Shabbos is described as the Nachalas Yaakov, a limitless inheritance that transcends all boundaries. By delving into the unique way each Av connects to Shabbos, we uncover not just their greatness, but how we, too, can elevate our Shabbos in deeper, more profound ways.

Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.org. Don't forget to subscribe and share to stay connected with our daily lessons and timeless Torah insights!