It's a portal, a time set apart. And according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a beautiful, almost novelistic Midrash, keeping Shabbat brings immense blessings. It says, "Happy is he in this world and happy will he be in the world to come" for those who observe it (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 19). But it goes even further. It suggests a play on words from Isaiah 56:2. Instead of reading "He who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it," we can read it as "He who keeps the Sabbath is pardoned" for all transgressions. Imagine that – a day of rest that also brings forgiveness!

But that's not all. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer then dives into something truly intriguing: the ten things created in the twilight of the sixth day, that liminal space right before Shabbat began. These weren't things God created during Shabbat – that would be forbidden! No, these were special creations, almost like divine afterthoughts, specifically made right before the cosmic clock struck sundown.

So, what were these last-minute wonders?

First, we have "the mouth of the earth." This refers to the incident in the Torah when Korah and his followers rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and the earth opened up to swallow them (Numbers 16). This wasn't a natural disaster; it was a targeted, divine response, prepared in advance.

Then there's "the mouth of the well." This speaks to Miriam's Well, a miraculous source of water that sustained the Israelites during their forty years of wandering in the desert. According to tradition, this well was created at twilight on Friday, ensuring the people would have water throughout their journey.

Next is "the mouth of the ass," a reference to Balaam's ass, which spoke to him when an angel blocked their path (Numbers 22). A talking donkey? Definitely needed a little extra divine intervention!

And what about "the rainbow?" A symbol of God's covenant with humanity after the flood, a promise never to destroy the world again by water (Genesis 9:13-17). It’s a powerful reminder of hope and divine protection.

Then comes "the Manna," the miraculous food that sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. This wasn't just food; it was a symbol of God's constant care and provision.

"The Shamir" is also on the list: a mythical worm or substance capable of cutting through the hardest stone. Tradition says it was used to build the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, without the use of iron tools, which were associated with warfare.

We also have "the shape of the alphabet," "the writing," and "the tables (of the law)." These all point to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The very letters we use to connect with the divine, the act of writing itself, and the tablets containing the Ten Commandments—all created in that sacred twilight.

Finally, there's "the ram of Abraham," the ram that appeared as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac (Genesis 22). This ram wasn't just any animal; it was a symbol of God's mercy and the ultimate test of Abraham's faith.

The text then adds parenthetically that some sages include "the destroying spirits also, and the sepulchre of Moses, and the ram of Isaac; and other sages say: the tongs also." This hints at the idea that even negative forces are ultimately under divine control and that certain things, like the location of Moses's grave (which remains a mystery), were predetermined. Even the simple act of creation – tongs to make more tongs – was planned from the start.

What's so significant about all of this? It tells us that God doesn't just create the big, obvious things. God also takes care of the details, the things we might overlook. It's a reminder that even in the last moments, even in the twilight, miracles can happen. And that keeping Shabbat connects us to this divine creativity and care. So, as we prepare for Shabbat, let's remember those last-minute miracles and the blessings that come with observing this sacred time. What last-minute miracles might we experience as we enter into a space of rest and connection?