The Palace in the Forest

Imagine you are on the edge of an endless forest. Behind you are open fields but when you turn your head to the left, to the right, all you can see are towering, lush green trees. The aroma of fresh pine wafts through the air and the melody of L’cha Dodi floats from deep in the forest. You take one step into the forest. Then another. and another. 

Before you know it, the forest engulfs you. It’s disorienting at first, but with each step you feel more and more free - leaving the cares of the fields and the past week behind you and focusing on the beauty of nature, the fresh, crisp air and the crunch of the forest beneath your feet.

As you venture further and further into the forest you see a light peering through the trees. As you inch closer, and closer, dodging through the maze of trees, your eyes can’t believe what they see: the distant light was emanating from a wondrous marble palace, with Shabbos candles aglow in every window and the comforting, sweet smell of freshly baked Challah wafting through the cool air around the palace. Timidly, you approach the huge, ornate wooden doors to explore inside.  As you enter, you turn left into the first room and see a beautiful, crystal candelabra, sparkling in the candle light, sitting atop a long wooden table covered with a white tablecloth, set for a Shabbat feast. 

You move into the next chamber, which is even more beautiful than the last. A silver candelabra sitting on a silver table covered with a white tablecloth, surrounded by silver chairs and set for an even bigger feast. As you move into the third room, you see a gold candelabra sitting on a gold table covered with a white tablecloth, surrounded by huge gold chairs fit for a queen. Each room is grander than the last. And in the final room, after endless beautiful rooms, you reach your kitchen table, with your family, waiting for you to celebrate Shabbat. 

Shabbat is this palace in time, each week eternally unique. This very moment is fleeting, and we can grasp it and take advantage, or lose this precious palace forever.

As we stand on the edge of the forest, ready to welcome the Sabbath bride, take a moment to envision the palace in time that is this Shabbat. As you get lost in the thought of Shabbos meals, Shabbos naps, Shabbos games, Shabbos peace, take a few deep breaths in and exhale slowly.

Shabbat Shalom!

Inspired by the story of Lipe the Tailor. Delivered at Temple Sinai of Roslyn on 7/7/2017.