How to Use Thursday for Spiritual and Practical Shabbat Preparation
In Kabbalah, each day of the week carries its own unique spiritual energy, and Thursday is especially significant for preparing spiritually for Shabbat.
While Friday focuses on practical tasks like cooking and cleaning, Thursday is dedicated to setting intentions and creating a calm, prepared mindset.
The Zohar, a key text in Kabbalah, teaches: “He who toils on the eve of Shabbat will eat on Shabbat” (Zohar, 2:88a). This quote highlights the importance of early preparation—both spiritual and practical—so we can fully enjoy the blessings of Shabbat. By starting this process on Thursday, we lay a strong foundation for a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Here’s how you can harness the special energy of Thursday for Shabbat preparation:
- Reflect on the Week: Thursday’s energy is about beginning the process of winding down and preparing for something significant. Spend time reflecting on your week, considering what went well and what could be improved. This helps you enter Shabbat with a clear and focused mind, ready for rest and renewal. Journaling is a great way to do this.
- Plan Meals for Shabbat: Thursday is a good day to start planning your Shabbat meals. By setting aside time to think about the menu and making a shopping list, you can ease the pressure on Friday. This preparation aligns with the Kabbalistic idea of using Thursday’s energy to set things in order for a smooth transition into Shabbat.
- Set Aside Time for Spiritual Preparation: Dedicate some time on Thursday to spiritual practices like reading Torah, reciting Psalms, or meditating on Shabbat’s holiness. This early spiritual focus helps align your heart and mind with the upcoming sanctity of Shabbat, enhancing your overall experience.
- Make a To-Do List for Friday: Organizing your tasks on Thursday helps you avoid the rush and stress of Friday. Create a list of things to accomplish on Friday, such as final preparations for meals and cleaning. This helps you manage your time better and approach Friday with a sense of calm.
- Start Tidying Up: Begin with small cleaning tasks on Thursday, such as organizing the table or clearing clutter. This not only prepares your physical space but also aligns with the spiritual preparation of the day. Kabbalistically, a clean and organized space helps to bring clarity and focus, setting a peaceful tone for Shabbat.
Thursday and Friday work together: Thursday sets the tone, focusing on spiritual preparation, while Friday finishes with the practical tasks. By preparing in both ways, we can fully enjoy the beauty and peace of Shabbat.
Art: The Queen of Shabbat by Elena Kotliarker
Mindy Rubenstein lives in Zichron Yaakov, Israel, with her family. A writer and artist, she coaches kids, teens and adults.
Contact Mindy to submit writing, poetry, art and photography for Nishot magazine.
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