January 29, 2026 / 11 Shevat, 5786 • Beshalach
Issue 911
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

G-d fed the Jewish people manna from heaven. Moses told the people that they should gather each day only enough manna for that day, but that on Fridays the amount would miraculously be double so they would not have to gather any on the Sabbath.

On Friday, they must prepare what they bring in, and it will be twice as much as they gather daily. 

Exodus 16:5


Inasmuch as most types of work are forbidden on the Sabbath, G-d miraculously enables us to accomplish on Friday all that we need to do for both Friday and the Sabbath. This is true not only in the quantitative sense, but qualitatively as well: The preparations we make for the Sabbath on Friday imbue the food, clothing, and atmosphere of the Sabbath with an added measure of delight that it is impossible for us to experience the rest of the week.

The same is true in the spiritual dimension of life. The better we prepare spiritually (e.g., through prayer, Torah study, good deeds) on Friday for the Sabbath, the greater the spiritual heights to which we can ascend on the Sabbath itself.

This is true of all G-d’s commandments. When G-d asks us to fulfill His commandments, He provides us with the power and means to do so, even in a miraculous fashion.

--Daily Wisdom Vol. 3