"And call to the Shabbat." What does "call" mean? That he should invite [and prepare for] it, as is written: "Holy callings" (Lev. 23:4) which means invited, as when inviting a guest to his home. So too, "And call to the Shabbat, a delight," that you should invite it as you invite a guest, with a set table, with an orderly house as it should be, with proper food and drink, more than on the other days. "And call to the Shabbat," meaning beforehand [to attend to Shabbat's needs the day before]. "The honorable holy day of G‑d" is Yom Kippur and they [Shabbat and Yom Kippur] are two that are one [both are called "Shabbat"; one also should prepare for Yom Kippur with an orderly house and nice clothing]. "And you shall honor it by not doing your own ways", as we explained [that one should dress and walk differently on Shabbat and on Yom Kippur than on the weekdays].

"Nor pursuing your own business, nor speaking of vain matters". (Isaiah 58:13) And we explained, because that [mundane] talk rises and stimulates secular things Above [thus blemishing the Shabbat]. One who invites a guest should strive to please him, and not [be occupied with something] else.

BeRahamim LeHayyim Why did the Ari and Chida include this section? What do they want us to learn?

The Holy Shabbat is Feminine, but within Her Face, there are different Faces.

Shabbat Night has the face of the Princess, the Holy Apple Field. Shabbat Day has the face of the Grandfather, the Ancient Holy One. Shabbat Afternoon has the face of the Prince, the Royal Son, the Diminished Presence. Motzei-Shabbat is the escorting of the Queen, the Melave Malke.

These are our Royal Guests. All Holy. And They require Holy Appointments, and regal meals, and regal words to adorn the table. When speaking secular/profane/weekday stuff, we don't please our guests. And as the host, it is our job to be hospitable.

What does this mean to you, and why is it being revealed to you now?

Bracketed annotations from Metok Midevash and Sulam commentaries
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