The emperor said to Rebe Yehoshua ben Chananya, "Why does the Shabbos food have such a fragrant aroma?" He answered, "We have a certain seasoning called Shabbos, which we put into it, and that gives it a fragrant aroma." The emperor asked, "Give us some of the seasoning." Rebe Yehoshua replied, "The seasoning only enhances the food of those who keep Shabbos, but it is of no use to one that does not keep Shabbos." (Shabbos 119a)
Reb Aryeh and Reb Nachum were beloved friends. One Shabbos, Reb Aryeh decided to join Reb Nachum for Shabbos. Since he came without an invitation, Reb Aryeh brought a pot of food to share with his friend’s family. When it came time to eat, Rav Nachum’s wife served both her food, as well as, the food of Reb Aryeh. Reb Nachum and his family noticed a savory fragrance emanating from Reb Aryeh’s pot.
"What is that luscious aroma coming from your food?" asked Reb Nachum. "The special ingredient in my food is the sweet words uttered by my wife when she prepared the stew. With each step of preparation she says, "I am making this in honor of the holy Shabbos." Perhaps, your food, which is prepared by your servants does not have quite the same fragrance because they don’t say, "I am making this in honor of the holy Shabbos," said Rav Aryeh.
The Arizal taught (Sha’ar Kavanos 61) that when a person shops for Shabbos they should say, "In honor of Shabbos", with each purchase that they make. Hence, we understand from here verbal expression has a greater effect than thinking because speech emanates from the heart.
Therefore, if we will remember to say, "In honor of Shabbos" when we buy and prepare food for Shabbos, the holiness of Shabbos will be imparted into the food. May we add the special ingredient of Reb Aryeh’s wife, and our Shabbos food will be rich in that special spice of Kedushas Shabbos. [Based on Moshol V’nimshol of the Ben Eish Chai, 3]
TODaY: Remember to say "In honor of Shabbos" when you shop and prepare for Shabbos.
Important Numbers
