Atoh Echad Veshimcha Echad II
The commentary Siach Yitzchak in the Siddur Hagrah, demonstrates that the body of our
Tefillah corresponds to the three famous Shabatot in Jewish history and destiny. Since Shabbat
Mincha reflects all three Shabatot, the prayer is written partly in the past tense, partly in the
present tense and partly in the future tense.
Shabbat is the-
1. Tiferet Gedulah – Splendor of greatness – i.e. Shabbat is the culmination of Creation.
2. VeAteret Yeshua – the crown of salvation – i.e. refers to the Crowns worn by the Israelites on
the Shabbat at Mt. Sinai.
3. Yom Menuchah Ukedushah Leamcha Natata – a day of contentment and holiness have you
given your people – i.e. refers to the time of Shabbat Moshiach and Olam Haboh.
Avraham Yagail – Abraham will rejoice and Yitzchak Yeranein – Isaac will exult – BECAUSE
Yaakov Uvanav Yanuchu Vo – Jacob and all if his descendants will rest and celebrate the
Shabbat.
Avraham produced a Yitzchak but also Yishmael; and Yitzchak produced a Yaakov but also and
Esau. It is specifically our father Yaakov that fathered the twelve tribes of Israel. It is through his
descendants (us) that the legacy, traditions, and values of Hashem and His Torah, taught to us
originally by Avraham and Yitzchak continue.
The prayer then describes the spiritual tranquility of Shabbat:
1. Menuchat Ahavah Unedava…Emet Veemuna – A rest of love and magnanimity, truth
and faith – this reflects Creation in which G-d demonstrated unconditional loving
kindness by creating the world.
2. Menuchat Shalom Veshalvah Vehashkeyt Vavetach – A rest of peace, serenity,
tranquility and security – this reflects the Shabbat of Mt. Sinai because Torah is the
pathway to peace.3. Menuchah Shelaymah Sheatoh Rotzeh Bah – a perfect rest in which You find favor – this
refers to the time when there will be perfection in the world Shabbat in the Messianic
Era.
Finally – Yakiru Vanecha Vayaydu…Ve-al Menuchatam Yakdeeshu et Shemecha – May your
children know that from You comes this rest and that by resting they sanctify Your name.
Take Home Tip: The Avudraham explains that as opposed to so many other Mitzvot like
charity, donning tefillin, and eating kosher, whereby we fulfill the commands of G-d; on
Shabbat we actually emulate G-d by resting and take pleasure in His divine rest. Maintaining
the Shabbat is literally walking in the spiritual footsteps of G-d.