Perashat Ki Tissa begins with the laws of the half shekel and continues with the commandments concerning the construction of the Mishkan. Then suddenly, G-d “interrupts” to speak about Shabbat, describing it as “a sign between Me and the Jewish People” (Shemot 31:17). What is the purpose of highlighting Shabbat at this point?
The Gemara (Shabbat 49b) teaches that the juxtaposition of Shabbat to the Mishkan is meant to teach us that the specific melachot performed in the Mishkan are the very same ones prohibited on Shabbat.
On a deeper level, the Ramban (Shemot 20:8) teaches that Shabbat serves as our ‘sign’ and perpetual testimony that G-d is the Creator of all. When we cease from work, we publicly declare that He alone created heaven and earth, just as He rested on the seventh day. Keeping Shabbat reminds us that we belong to Him as His sanctified people. When we watch over and keep it, it shows that our relationship with Him is in good standing.
This relationship is mutual. The Zohar (Vayaqhel 206b) teaches that the six weekdays draw their blessing from the seventh. When we give to Shabbat, Shabbat gives back for the entire week.
The Ohr HaHayim (Shemot 31:16, citing Beresheet Rabbah 11:8) adds that when Shabbat was created, it felt alone because it lacked a partner. G-d responded that the Jewish People will be your partner. Shabbat was designed for connection. It is inherently holy, but that holiness only reaches its full potential when we honor and cherish the relationship.
In our relationships with our spouses, our children, our friends, and those closest to us, all the right ingredients may be present. Are we showing up, or are we just going through the motions? Sometimes we hold back, letting comfort or fear keep us from fully entering a relationship that could be truly beautiful. Shabbat shows us what is possible. Keep it, tend to it, show up for it, and it gives back beyond what you put in. Perhaps the same is true for the relationships in our own lives. The question is not whether the potential is there. It almost always is. The question is whether we are willing to do the work to find out.