SHABBOS BREAD AS THE SOURCE OF BLESSING

One of the vessels that stood inside the Kodesh was the Shulchan (table). Each Shabbos, the Kohanim would place twelve Lechem Hapanim loaves on the Shulchan. These loaves were baked on Friday and left in the Ulam overnight. On Shabbos, they were brought into the Kodesh and placed on the Shulchan as the loaves from the past Shabbos were removed.
 
The old loaves, which miraculously stayed fresh, were distributed and eaten by the Kohanim. Our sages teach that the Lechem Hapanim was blessed with an additional miracle, so that a Kohen only had to eat a piece the size of a bean, and they would become completely satisfied.
 
Unlike the sacrifices which were offered every day of the year, the Lechem Hapanim was unique to Shabbos.
 
The sacrifices represent our interaction with the physicality of the world during the six days of the week. This is for the purpose of Birrurim, to refine and elevate the sparks of holiness that are trapped within the coarse materiality of the world.
 
On Shabbos the worlds experience a spiritual elevation and no longer require refining. On Shabbos, our physical experiences themselves are intrinsically holy – the eating becomes a Mitzvah itself as we ‘delight’ in Shabbos. This is alluded to by the Lechem Hapanim.
 
According to Kabbalah, the placing of the Lechem Hapanim on the Shulchan was the source of blessing for sustenance for the entire world. In the same way, Shabbos is the source of blessing for our Parnassa and material success in the week ahead. Even though our work hours are reduced, Shabbos brings a blessing that we will have ample prosperity to be completely satisfied.
 
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The *Daily Beis Hamikdash Thought* is an initiative of the MAOR Centre, Melbourne.
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