Welcome to Embrace Shabbat. The Gemara in Masechet Shabbat 118b famously teaches: כל המענג את השבת, נותנים לו נחלה בלי מצרים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: וְאז תתענג על יהוה והרכבתיך … והאכלתיך נחלת יעקב אביך״. Whoever delights in Shabbat will get an inheritance without boundaries, as it says, “then you will gladden yourself on G-d … and you will enjoy the heritage of your father Yaakov.” (Many recite this passuk as an introduction to Kiddush on Shabbos day). The commentator Anaf Yosef on the Ein Yaakov asks, “What are the mechanics behind this reward?” He explains that there are two kinds of people that work for a living. One works hard in his business and believes that it is his own strength and force that make him successful. While such a person observes the halachot of Shabbat, it is not an oneg for him because he becomes frustrated by his inability to work Because his hishtadlut for parnassah stops, and he suffers through Shabbat. Such a person has boundaries on his parnassah and abilities, and will not have the blessings of Shabbat. The second man that knows that his work during the week doesn’t really accomplish anything on its own. He works because it is Hashem’s command, but knows that Hashem is behind his success. Therefore, when Hashem tells him not to work on Shabbat, he is thrilled! Why should he work when he doesn’t have to?! For such a person, Shabbat is an Oneg and nachat ruach for him. In fact, his enjoyment of Shabbat indicates that even when working during the week, he is relying on G-d in his life. When a person fully relies on G-d, they are “ בלתי גבולי ”- without bounds- because HaKadosh Baruch Hu is without bounds. The Chovot HaLevavot teaches in the beginning of Shaar Bitachon that when a person relies on others, they are limited by the abilities of that person. If one relies on a doctor with a 70% success rate, they will only be able to achieve a 70% success rate. But if they rely on G-d, their success will have no boundaries. Observing Shabbat is an indication that a person is relying on G-d, Who has no boundaries. Therefore, the reward of an “inheritance without boundaries” is a perfect middah k’neged middah. What is special about Yaakov Avinu that he singled out as the father of Bitachon? Yaakov went through more challenges than any of the Avot. He experienced the challenge of Yosef, Dinah, Esav, and Lavan. He invested so much hishtadlut, but at the same time he realized that HaKadosh Baruch Hu was making everything happen. When we keep Shabbat, we connect ourselves to Yaakov Avinu who has an unlimited inheritance. Therefore, it is not enough to physically keep Shabbat, but וקראת לשבת עונג , we have to enjoy Shabbat. It has to be a delight! A person should not be waiting to get back to work and feel that Shabbat is interfering with their plans. They must understand that hishtadlut doesn’t accomplish anything, so if they are handed a “paid vacation,” they should enjoy it! A person’s attitude toward Shabbat indicates their bitachon level and whether their success will be with or without boundaries. Have a wonderful day and a Shabbat Shalom.