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

Beginner: 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. Intermediate: Same phrase applied to Shabbat. 'One steps a small step, one dines to bless three times.'

Beginner: 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. Intermediate: Weekdays: dominion of chitzonim. Erev Shabbat bein hashmashot: no dominion (Teh 92:10). Chitzonim's dominion = through feet. Shabbat: power of walking restored (Yesh 58:13). But like child learning to walk = needs sa'ad (support), only small steps. 'One steps a small step' = Shabbat-walking in God's ways, still supported.