The Talmud says that Shabbos is “a semblance of Olam Haba,” a taste of the delight of the World to Come. Certainly, this refers to something that is incomparably greater than the physical delights we experience.
The Midrash cites the phrase in Genesis (2:1): “And the heaven and earth were completed,” and comments that it is with the onset of Shabbos everything in Creation had been completed and not even the slightest thing was lacking, so should a person feel when Shabbos arrives: everything is complete, there is nothing lacking. There is not the slightest carryover of concern from the previous week. Nothing in one’s life is lacking, not even the slightest thing, just as G-d’s creation was totally complete.
We may have some difficulty in imagining so blissful a state, but if we could achieve it, it would indeed be “a semblance of Olam Haba.” Our minds would then be free for total devotion to spiritual pursuits.
Although a person should always have an attitude of teshuvah, Shabbos is a particularly favorable time for forgiveness. The Talmud says that if a person observes Shabbos properly, all his sins are forgiven (Koheles Rabbah 4). Inasmuch as a person receives an additional soul (neshamah yeseirah) on Shabbos, it is appropriate that one cleanse oneself of all one’s wrongdoings in preparation for this enhanced kedushah (holiness).
To assist in experiencing this heavenly feeling, a farfel stuffing was served on Friday night, and would be referred to it as “Teshuvah Farfel.” The Yiddish word farfallen means “it is in the past, over and done with.” As the farfel stuffing was served, people would say, “Whatever was until now is farfallen,” as a reminder that we should now put the entire past behind us and not bring any concerns of the workweek into Shabbos.
In this month before Rosh Hashanah, let us hope that all can do teshuvah and be forgiven of sins. Each Shabbos brings the hope that all is farfallen – it is in the past, over and done with – so each week we start anew.
Teshuvah Farfel Stuffing
INGREDIENTS
2 large onions, diced |
½ pound mushrooms, sliced |
3-4 table spoons olive oil or shamltz |
garlic cloves, minced |
½ teaspoon turmeric |
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced |
1 teaspoon cumin |
1 pound matzo farfel |
1 tablespoons fresh oregano |
2 cups chicken broth/vegetable broth |
1 teaspoon rubbed sage |
2 eggs |
1 teaspoon paprika |
Kosher salt |
¼ teaspoon pepper |
Freshly ground black pepper |
PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13inch casserole dish.
2. Sauté onions in a large sauté pan lightly coated olive oil/shmaltz, over medium-high heat, until medium brown and very soft.
3. Add mushrooms to the pan and a bit more olive oil/shmaltz. Add spices and continue to sauté
4. Add celery and garlic to the pan and continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes until celery begins to soften.
5. Transfer vegetables to greased pan. Add matzo farfel, broth, and slightly beaten eggs. Stir to combine. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more until lightly browned, or cool completely and freeze for up to 1 month.
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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