Shabbat

Definition and stakes

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, compiled by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero,  The Zohar — Introduction

“ For until that time, it is still Shabbat, and the sanctity of the Shabbat still rests upon us. So after the benediction over the cup is performed, all those hosts and legions that govern the weekdays return to their positions, each one according to the appointed service for which he is responsible.
Because as soon as the Shabbat begins and the day is sanctified, holiness is aroused and governs the world; worldliness is removed from its rule. Only when Shabbat is over do they regain their position again.
”
Source: Wikisource

Meir ben Ezekiel ibn Gabbai,  Avodat haKodesh — Part 1: Chelek haYichud

“ It is a soul whose existence is material, like the soul of the sphere. Consequently, it remains as a female, influenced but not influencing. This is what the Sages meant when they said that Shabbat said before the Holy One, blessed be He, "Master of the Universe, you have given a partner to every living creature, but I have no partner." He replied to her, "The synagogues of Israel shall be your partner." In this statement, they hinted to a measure that is influenced but does not influence, which is the tenth intellect, named Shabbat. ”
Source: Wikisource

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, compiled by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero,  The Zohar — Introduction

“ Shabbat and a holy day are mentioned separately. The donkey driver asked: “If that is so, then what does a holy day mean to the Creator?” He replied: “That is when sanctity descends from Above, from ZA, and fills Shabbat, Malchut.” The donkey driver objected, “But if sanctity descends from Above, then Shabbat itself is not a holy day. And yet, it is written, ‘You shall sanctify Shabbat,’ meaning Shabbat itself.”
Rabbi Elazar said to Rabbi Aba, “Leave this man alone, for there is much wisdom in him, of which we do not know.” So he said to the donkey driver, “Speak, and we shall listen.”
”
Source: Wikisource

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