In the car on the way back, I once again experienced the same feelings I had when I first left early in the morning. I watched as people streamed out of shul and headed home for their Seudat Shabbat. And here I was…in a car. Yes, a very strange and uncomfortable feeling. And yes, it was indeed weird.
But all of that dissipated as soon as I walked in the door to my home. I entered as my family and some guests were just about to eat, and a calm sense of peace and serenity washed over me. I was back “in” Shabbat! No machines, no phones, no writing, no radios. All that there was was Challa and food and zemirot and–rest.
I had left the peace and serenity of Shabbat for a few hours, but returned with an even greater appreciation for the best gift Hashem ever gave the Jewish People. I love Shabbat, even if I had to “leave” Shabbat for a little while.
I also realized that as much as I always have loved and appreciated Shabbat, that being without that spiritual force, even for a few hours, gave me an even deeper love for this day of rest.
