What's the secret ingredient that keeps us going?

The Gemara tells of the evil government that stopped us bringing wood to the temple in order that sacrifices wouldn't be able to be brought. And they stopped us bringing the first fruits to Jerusalem, which was part of a beautiful ceremony.
Why did they stop these 2? Why not outlaw shabbos, mikva or circumcision?
These 2 mitzvot had great celebrations associated with them. There were parades and more!
*They knew what kept us going even at "tough" times was simcha - joy.*
When I say tough it could be "tough" as our religion was persecuted or "tough " as maybe it's not cool to practice anymore.
What we learn is joy in our mitzvah observance is the secret ingredient!!

There are 2 different elements of Shabbos, the positive mitzvot we do like enjoying, making it special etc and the prohibitions like not doing work.

*Our work is to not just focus on getting the laws of Shabbos right but to add to the great joy and associate with Shabbos. All blessings of the week come from Shabbos.*

*Kiddush will be associated with this aspect.*

Kiddush:

*In the Ten Commandments we are commanded to “Remember the Shabbos day to sanctify it.”* One fulfills this Torah obligation by saying Kiddush on Shabbos. The Rabbis instituted the recitation of Kiddush over a cup of wine.

Both *men and women* are equally obligated in this mitzvah.

The cup must hold at least a 3.8 fl. oz.; 112 ml.  It is best to recite Kiddush using a silver kiddush cup. One may also use a glass or any other non-disposable cup. It is best to fill the cup to the top.  However, if one does not have enough wine to fill the cup he need not fill it, provided that the cup contains the measurement above of wine.

Upon completing Kiddush, the one who recites it should drink a “m’lo lugmav,” the *amount of wine that fills one of his cheeks.*  For an average adult male, this is between 1.5 and 2 fl. oz. (44-59 ml).  This amount should be drunk within a 30 second time span

If it is too difficult for the one who says Kiddush to drink a m’lo lugmav, *someone else may drink the cheek full.*

Having cups of wine/grape juice prepared ahead of time so after you make kiddush you can share a bit from the cup of blessing into each of these so they can be passed around and each person can put a bit in their own cup.

*One fulfils Kiddush only if a meal is eaten immediately after Kiddush in the same location.*

If one does not eat bread, such as at a kiddush after shul one may eat a food containing the five grains. upon which the brocha of Mezonos is said.

Arguments to stand/sit:

a.     Standing – “Vayechulu” is testimony that Hashem created the world and rested on Shabbos.  Just as witnesses stand before Bais Din when testifying, similarly some stand for this testimony and remain standing while reciting the entire Kiddush.
b.     Sitting – When helping others fulfil their obligation, everyone is joined together for that moment, this is done through sitting.

Follow ones custom if you have one, or sit at least for the blessing.

For both kiddush and havdalah important to listen to words as someone is saying it on our behalf.

Challas should be covered during kiddush.

Havdalla:

*Just as it is a mitzvah to sanctify Shabbos on a cup of wine as it enters, it is a mitzvah to sanctify it on a cup of wine as it departs. This is done by reciting havdalah. We also recite blessings over spices and on a candle.* Women are also obligated to hear havdalah so they should listen to it carefully.

In a place where wine is not available, one may make havdalah on beer or any other beverage that is considered a local drink like coffee or tea.

Once night falls on Saturday, one may not eat or drink anything other than water before havdalah.

*Work may not be done before havdalah. Therefore, if you need to turn on lights or perform

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