Preparing for Shabbat

The Netivot Shalom repeatedly inserts the specialness of Shabbat, throughout his commentary on the weekly Parsha. He was of the opinion that true Shabbat observance was essential in creating a special bond with Hashem, known as Dveikut. An example of his approach is his very Chassidic approach in reinterpreting a saying of the Sages. It is fairly well known that it is written, מת בערב שבת, סימן יפה לו, that if one passes away on Erev Shabbat, it is a nice sign for him. This seems to indicate that the person was righteous. The Netivot Shalom has a completely different take on this rabbinic saying. He says that מת בערב שבת, is not talking about death at all. It refers to one who enters Shabbat with ביטול, self nullification. He minimizes his own importance. If one can do this, it is a very good sign for him. Such a person will be able to truly reap the benefits of Shabbat and will be spiritually elevated and rejuvenated with his Shabbat observance.