T86 PNC - Shabbat Walking/Chitzonim/Small Steps (2 segs)

The same opening saying: 'One steps in it a small step, one dines in it to bless three times.' This teaching now applies the same principle to Shabbat.

During the weekdays, there is the dominion of the chitzonim (external forces/spiritual impediments). However, on Erev Shabbat (Friday afternoon) during bein hashmashot (twilight), the chitzonim have no dominion at all — as the Zohar teaches. The verse alludes to this: 'When the day is sanctified, all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered' (Psalms 92:10). The primary mode through which the chitzonim exercise their dominion during weekdays is through the aspect of the feet — as the Talmudic saying goes: 'These knees of the rabbis — from where are they worn out?' from the constant walking and exertion. But on Shabbat Kodesh, the power of walking is restored to a person, as the verse says: 'If you restrain your foot because of the Shabbat' (Isaiah 58:13). On Shabbat, a person is able to walk in the ways of the Blessed One. However — it is like a child who is just learning to walk: the child still needs support (sa'ad) to hold him up, cannot yet run, can only take small steps. This is the meaning of 'one steps a small step' — on Shabbat, one begins to walk in God's ways, but like a new walker, small and supported.