אות - קנה

The lesson beginning, “One must be very careful always to be joyful on Shabbat” is in Likutey Moharan II, 17.

This lesson was revealed on a Friday night. 264 This was said during the summer of 5568/1808, some time between Tisha B'Av and Rosh HaShanah ( Tzaddik #185; see note 337. It may have been said on Shabbat Nachamu (August 6, 1808), a regular time of gathering. The Rebbe began by asking me, “Are you joyous on Shabbat?” I answered, “ Ich bin amal frum – I sometimes have trepidation.”

The Rebbe said, “This is not the way. The main thing is joy.” He admonished me to be happy, especially on Shabbos.

The Rebbe then revealed the above lesson, speaking of the importance of Shabbat joy.

Then, in particular, one’s fear and stringencies are elevated – but only through such joy.

The Rebbe discussed this at length, lecturing us to be in a joyous mood on Shabbat. He said that we should do everything possible to bring ourselves to such joy, as recorded in this lesson.

The Rebbe said we should buy delicacies for Shabbos. “All of your income is decreed from the beginning of the year. But what you spend for Shabbat and festivals is not included in the decree ( Beitzah 16a) . Even a simple family man enjoys Shabbos with his tasty food such as fish and broth.”

He then said to me “Now you have something to be depressed about”. He meant that he had just lectured us to be joyous on Shabbat and I had not been worthy of such happiness. This made me even more depressed.

[The Rebbe had actually read my thoughts. As soon as he declared that we must be joyous, I began worrying because I had not attained such Shabbat joy.]

When the Rebbe said, “Now you have something to make you depressed,” it actually gave me much comfort and encouragement. For it made me realize that I should not worry about rejoicing to the point of becoming depressed.

When the Rebbe lectured me about this, I answered, “I have a very great desire to be filled with joy on Shabbat.” [I meant that even if I was not worthy of actual joy, I still had a great yearning for it. The Rebbe had spoken many times about the importance of desire and longing (see “ His Wisdom ” #12, #14, #260) .] The Rebbe called to those around him, “Have you heard what he said? He spoke well!”

The Rebbe also told us to sing many zemirot and other Shabbat songs (see Tzaddik #520) . He said, “Do not pay attention to any obstacles. Others may be sitting at the table and not seem to have any desire to sing. Strengthen yourself and sing with joy. Conduct the Shabbat table in a happy mood. The main thing is Shabbat joy.”