When looking at the tabernacle, we see they were not to keep building on the Sabbath. As holy a place as the tabernacle was, it did not take precedence over keeping the Sabbath. The entire characterization of Sabbath can be summed up in the words, "it is holy to you." To the one who only views Sabbath superficially, it's nothing more than a day we are commanded to keep set apart. The person hasn't done any work, so that's that for another week. However, the essence of Shabbat is its sanctity. The prohibitions that are involved with Shabbat only go to show the hallowedness of that time. Sanctity "demands" the prohibitions of mundane activity, because that day belongs to the one who consecrated it, YHVH. So as there was a sanctuary in the "place" of the mishkan, so too is there a sanctuary of "time" designated by YHVH. To be involved with the sanctuary of the mishkan you had to be holy. Why would the holiness of Shabbat require any less holiness?

The Sabbath itself attests to the creation of the world. It is a positive reinforcement that on the seventh day even YHVH ceased from his works. The command to erect a sanctuary in space does not take precedence over the observance of the sanctuary in time. We suggest another aspect of Sabbath that precludes it from being superceded by the building of the mishkan. We think of Sabbath as being a body of laws which prohibit various forms of labor on the seventh day. While it is true these forms of labor are prohibited, it not a negative aspect of Sabbath. On the contrary, it is specifically these prohibited labors that indicate to us the actual character of the mitzvah of Sabbath. Sabbath is an experience, which is spiritual in nature. It is elevated above what the human being can perceive and absorb.

Thus he must attempt to elevate himself above the physical dimensions which hold him captive and cling to YHVH. The Sabbath is a day when a person transcends the physical and enters into the spiritual realm. Therefore, it is a good thing to start trying to prepare yourself and your schedule to welcome in the Sabbath. Divest yourself of as much as possible of the shackles of this world we all struggle with. Begin to look at Sabbath as a spiritual thing you're entering into, rather than just a day to "lay around." We have six days in which to chat on the phone, cook, do laundry, go to the store, and a dozen other things. That's why there's a "preparation day" before Sabbath, to do just that, prepare! Cook your food before sundown Friday, get your laundry done up, call your long lost cousin whom you haven't spoken to in years, anything that might detract your concentration on YHVH'S most holiest day. All these things help to unshackle you from the world. If the building of YHVH'S holy mishkan didn't take precedence over Sabbath, then you know it truly is a "day for the soul!" Shalom