Shabbat part 19

The Talmud urges a nap on Shabbat afternoon as a way of adding further delight to this day of delights. This is not a law, and many choose instead to study Torah, or to go visiting neighbors and friends. In Israel, where there is a six day work week (although this is changing), this time is ideal to catch up either on sleep, or other forms of quiet recreation. Most Jewish communities have programs for children, giving Mom and Dad a chance to have some quality alone time. In Ashkenazi communities, where synagogue services end around noon, it is usually impossible to have time for a nap or visiting, except during the Summer, when days are long. Sepharadim generally get home around 10 am, and will have time to "catch forty winks" even in the Winter. ARI z"l urges sleeping at this time, not only as a delight, but as this time is very auspicious, and one who is worthy will get messages from Heaven in their dreams. Leisure time is such a rare commodity in our modern world. When one does have such time, it is usually dominated by TV, Facebook, or other distractions that keep us from true peace. On Shabbat, it is as though those things do not exist. We are alone with loved ones, ourselves, and G-d. Upon awakening, most people take a short walk, greeting neighbors with Shabbat Shalom, or Gut Shabbos along the way. Soon, it is time to return to the Synagogue for afternoon services (Minhah). Whereas the mood of Friday night was quiet and Feminine, Shabbat morning exuberant and Masculine, Shabbat Afternoon is the combination of the two; similar to the peaceful joyous, loving feeling of husband and wife, after they have been joined in a romantic interlude. The Minhah service of Shabbat is one of longing; longing to keep the feeling of closeness with G-d, longing for a future era of great peace. There is a short Torah reading at Minhah, taken from the opening of the next week's Torah portion. We realize that the delights are coming soon to an end, but another Shabbat is on the horizon. Now comes the culmination of Shabbat; Se'udah Slishit (Third Meal) German Jews call it "Shalosh Seudos" (Three Meals), as the other two are now combined into one. In Yiddish speaking circles, this is often (incorrectly) coalesced into "Shalehshudis". Most people go home for this meal. In other circles, it is celebrated at the synagogue itself. It is usually a smaller meal than the others; usually just bread and some fish. But the time is most unique. The melodies are haunting and piercing. Hasidic Rebbes deliver their main addresses to their followers at this time. On the other hand, some Hasidic Rebbes have their meal sequestered all alone, contemplating the significance of Shabbat, Seudah Shlishit, life, death, eternity...and G-d. Although the meal begins before sundown, it often continues late into the night. Some groups remain in the dark; listening to their rabbis expound on spiritual concepts, giving them time to introspect. I have seen groups where sobbing can be heard coming from the people struggling with their emotions in the dark. It is like an exercise in dying.  A few groups continue the experience until midnight. Some consider the time so sacred, that they refuse to spend it eating. However, the third meal is a halachic obligation. I have seen the "arguments" that some make for neglecting it. In my opinion, these arguments hold no water. Rabbi Nachman once said "it is like little children, wanting to be fed. When the parent says alright, it's now time to eat, the children decide that they don't want to".In my next post, I will discuss what comes after Seudah Shlishit.