The Bottom Line
Removing ka’as is the key to bircas haShabbos. The groundwork for this avodah lies in striving to achieve Shalom, the kli that holds the blessings that Hakadosh Baruch Hu gives us on Shabbos. Because the Yetzer Hora constantly puts stumbling blocks in front of me, especially when stress is high on Erev Shabbos, I need a good plan. This erev Shabbos and Shabbos, I am going to be mekabel, bli neder, a four-step plan. #1: I will not be drawn into any arguments on erev Shabbos, #2: On Thursday I will prepare and agreeably assign a list of household responsibilities and chores, #3: I will be prepared to overlook whatever is missing from my Shabbos table or otherwise help to buy or make it, and #4: I will lower my expectations, to prevent overreacting. If a stressful situation does come up, even on Shabbos, I will remember the story of the chassid who was tested by his Rebbe. This will help me understand that this too, is a challenge from Hakadosh Baruch Hu that I need to overcome. Knowing this “trick” is the key to freeing myself from the prison of ka’as! By recognizing this and implementing these strategies, I will, IY”H, lower my bechira-point in this aveira and not get angry. As a result, I will relate more intensely to Hashem as the Manhig HaOlam, gain the kli of Shalom, and“lock in” all of the amazing brochos that Shabbos brings!
