Shabbat Shuvah (“Sabbath of Return” – שבת שובה) refers to the Shabbat that occurs during the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Based on the teachings of the AriZal, the Rebbe explains that the seven days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are of a general nature, because they include within them all the days of the week for the past year and for the year to come. On every such day, one can elevate and bring to a level of perfection all the days of the previous year and prepare for all the days of the coming year.
This quality is especially emphasized in Shabbat Shuvah.
The Rebbe explains: this day contains a special blessing (“bracha”) for all the Shabbat days in the upcoming year. At the same time, the “teshuvah” made on this day retrospectively elevates all the Shabbat day of the year that passed. However, there is more to it.
It’s well known that being the culmination of the week, every Shabbat elevates the service of the previous days and at the same time – influences the following week. This means that the power of Shabbat Shuvah is manifold:
- it happens to correct and elevate all the days of previous year,
- and lays the grounds for the blessing in every new day to come!
From the Rebbe’s explanations (in Hebrew):
Find more in the collection of the Rebbe’s ‘sichot’ on Shabbat Nitzavim, Shabbat Vayelech and Rosh haShanah, 5751-5752 (Hebrew version, abridged version in English)
