Blessed is the most high Almighty

Who gave rest—

for our souls relief—from calamity and woe;

and He will seek out Zion,

the outcast city.

How much longer will there be grief

for a sighing soul?

-The preserver of the Sabbath—

man and woman alike—

are to the Almighty as pleasing

as a meal-offering in a [sacred] pan.

He Who rides atop the heavens,

King of the worlds,

that His people rest on the Sabbath

He caused them to hear pleasantly;³⁸

footnotes: ³⁸ The law of Shabbos was one of the Ten Commandments which Israel received at Mt. Sinai. The commandments were all pleasant to the Jews.

[to enjoy the Sabbath] with tasty foods,

with varied delicacies,

with elegant garments,

and a family feast.

-The preserver of the Sabbath—

man and woman alike—

are to the Almighty as pleasing

as a meal-offering in a [sacred] pan.

Fortunate is everyone who anticipates

the double reward³⁹

footnotes: ³⁹ A person is rewarded doubly for all he spends to beautify and enhance the enjoyment of Shabbos.

from the One Who sees all

Who dwells in the dense cloud.

An inheritance he will merit for himself

in the mountain and in the valley;

an inheritance and a resting-place

like him for whom the sun shone.⁴⁰

footnotes: ⁴⁰ Him refers to Jacob for whom the healthy rays of the sun shone especially after his battle with the guardian angel of Esau. See Genesis 32:32, “The sun shone for him.”

-The preserver of the Sabbath—

man and woman alike—

are to the Almighty as pleasing

as a meal-offering in a [sacred] pan.

Whoever preserves the Sabbath properly,

not permitting its desecration,

is qualified

that love of holiness be his lot.

And if he fulfills the obligations of the day,

fortunate is he.

To the Almighty Master, his Creator,

it is an offered gift.

-The preserver of the Sabbath—

man and woman alike—

are to the Almighty as pleasing

as a meal-offering in a [sacred] pan.

“Most desired of days”

it was acclaimed by my God, [my] strength.

Fortunate are the perfect ones—

if it is kept.

A fitted crown

is formed on their heads;

the Rock of the Worlds,

His spirit rests within them.

-The preserver of the Sabbath—

man and woman alike—

are to the Almighty as pleasing

as a meal-offering in a [sacred] pan.

Mention the Sabbath to sanctify it;⁴¹

footnotes: ⁴¹ See notes 00 and 00 on Kiddush.

its glory when raised high

is a crown on his head.⁴²

footnotes: ⁴² The glory of Shabbos becomes a crown on the head of the person who sanctifies it.

Therefore, let each man provide himself

delight and joy—

through them to exalt himself.

-The preserver of the Sabbath—

man and woman alike—

are to the Almighty as pleasing

as a meal-offering in a [sacred] pan.

Holy is she to you—Sabbath the Queen—

within your homes to place blessing.

In all your dwellings

you are to do no work—

[neither] your sons and daughters,

manservant and maidservant.

-The preserver of the Sabbath—

man and woman alike—

are to the Almighty as pleasing

as a meal-offering in a [sacred] pan.