Editor's Pick

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• 2/27/11

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• Riva Pomerantz

I have long been entranced by the duality of Shabbos-its sublime loftiness floats astride its concrete physicality. We imbibe the holiness of the holy day even as we feast on delicacies. It is hard, at times, to separate the two and integrate the material and the spiritual in this haven in Time, this brief slice of heaven on earth.

Those who were privileged to hear Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus speak in person have drunk deeply from the waters of "heaven on earth" even in the course of the mundane week. His penetrating insight and down-to-earth perspective on all things marked him as a beloved teacher and supreme Torah scholar. And when it came to Shabbos, Rav Pincus' heart was aflame and he spread this bren, this fire, to multitudes of students.

When I came upon Nefesh Shimshon, I was drawn to its subtitle. "Making the most of Shabbos: Inspiring insights into the meaning and purpose of Shabbos." Shabbos-related books occupy an entire bookshelf in my home with several more devoted to the weekly Torah portion which also fall under the "Shabbos" category. But there was something striking about this particular volume with its tempting subtitle. Who doesn't seek to "Make the most of Shabbos"? It was only after I began to flip through the pages that the power and beauty of the book truly hit me and my excitement grew. In short order, the book became awarded a prominent place near the dining room table, and I'm happy to tell you why.

There is writing comprised of words, and there is writing comprised of heart. Rav Pincus does not simply "speak"; he breathes life into thoughts and ideas and there is a tangible enthusiasm conveyed in his words. The title for the work, "Nefesh Shimshon" could not be more appropriate. It is as though Rav Pincus' very being reaches out to the reader, drawing him in gently and patiently to tap into the fount of holiness that Shabbos truly embodies.