The Concluding Countdown: Perfecting Shabbat Before Rosh Hashanah

The esteemed Mirrer Mashgiach, Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein, used to say that the last two weeks before Rosh Hashanah possess special significance. This is based on the teaching of Chazal that if Israel were to keep two consecutive Shabbatot, they would immediately be redeemed (Shabbat 118). Since these final two Shabbatot precede Rosh Hashanah, it is especially fitting to ensure they are observed properly.

The obvious question, however, is why these two weeks are singled out—after all, any two consecutive Shabbatot could seemingly achieve the same effect. The answer can be found in the words of the Sfat Emet, who quotes his grandfather, Reb Shmelke. He explains that the final Shabbat of the year gathers within it the essence of all the Shabbatot of the year. In other words, one who keeps that Shabbat is considered as if he has kept all the Shabbatot of the year. Therefore, these two Shabbatot possess the unique ability to repair and elevate the Shabbat observance of the entire year.

But why are two Shabbatot needed—shouldn’t one be enough? The Sfat Emet explains that Shabbat has a profound influence on the week that follows. When one Shabbat is kept in its entirety, it elevates and perfects the coming week. Then, when the following week is already uplifted, the next Shabbat can itself be observed in true perfection. In this way, a complete and flawless week is achieved—but such a week can only come about through the sanctifying influence of the Shabbat before it.

This comes as a powerful reminder to strengthen ourselves during this last stretch before Rosh Hashanah and to observe Shabbat with all its details and care.