Question:
Should one do “Iskafya” on Shabbos and refrain from delving into lavish delicacies?
[Iskafya is a Chassidic term used to describe self-control from indulging in pleasures.]
Answer
It is clear that both from the Halachic and esoteric aspects of the Torah, there is a Mitzvah to enhance the joy of Shabbos (Oneg Shabbos) by eating delicacies and drinking fine beverages. Thus, on Shabbos, the concept of sanctifying oneself by refraining from permitted pleasures does not apply as it does during the week. However, this is conditional upon one’s intention: the eating and drinking should primarily be for the sake of fulfilling the Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos. If, however, a person partakes in food and drink simply to satisfy personal desires, with no intent for the Mitzvah, then such eating is no different from weekday indulgence, to which the concept of “sanctify yourself with the permitted” does apply. In this case, the individual is not considered to be honoring Shabbos, but rather honoring themselves on Shabbos. It has thus been observed that Chassidim in general and certain Tzadikim would minimize the degree of embellishment in their fulfillment of this Mitzvah. Certainly, one should avoid overeating if it would prevent them from engaging in Torah study, which is the primary purpose of Shabbos.
Explanation:
On the one hand, Shabbos is distinguished from the weekdays by its special mitzvah to experience joy and delight—Oneg Shabbos—through eating fine foods and enjoying festive meals. This is a Biblical command according to some opinions. Tanya and Igeres Hakodesh emphasize that eating on Shabbos, when done with the proper intent (to fulfill the mitzvah and experience spiritual pleasure), actually elevates the act, making it a holy service rather than mere physical satisfaction.
However, it is explained in many Sefarim that a key factor in this Mitzvah is one’s intention. If someone eats and drinks simply to indulge personal desires, without focusing on the mitzvah or the spiritual dimension, then that behavior is not considered a fulfillment of Oneg Shabbos. Instead, it is viewed as self-indulgence, similar to weekday eating, where the ideal is to exercise self-control over permitted pleasures. Sefarim warn that such self-serving indulgence does not honor Shabbos, but rather honors the self.
Based on this, historically, many Chassidic masters and pious individuals would intentionally minimize their enjoyment of Shabbos meals to avoid losing sight of the day’s true spiritual purpose.
Sources: Mitzvah to eat and enjoy: Admur 242:1; Rambam Shabbos 30:1; Tanya (chapter 7), “One who eats fatty ox meat and drinks tasty wine…., when done for the sake of fulfilling the Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos and Yom Tov, its divine sparks become elevated.” Igeres Hakodesh 26 “However on Shabbos that there is an elevation of the Kelipas Nogah itself together with the external aspects of all worlds, therefore it is a Mitzvah to eat all the delicacies on Shabbos and to increase in meat and wine, even though that during the week one would be considered a gluten for doing so.”; Mamarim Haketzarim of Admur Hazakein p. 59 [it is written that in essence, Shabbos is meant to be a day without eating or drinking, resembling the World to Come. However, since the pleasure of Shabbos must be experienced within a physical vessel, one is obligated to eat on Shabbos to receive its spiritual delight.]; Likkutei Torah Beshalacha 2a “There is no need for Avoda on Shabbos, in the same way as done during the week, which is through plowing and having a broken heart, and Iskafya. Rather Shabbos is a time for Avoda of Taanug on Hashem, and Ishapcha.” Poskim who limit the eating of Shabbos: Shlah [Shabbos Neir Mitzvah] [writes that those who overindulge and subsequently fall asleep from excessive eating are not truly enjoying Shabbos, but rather themselves.]; Kesav Sofer 107:16 [Writes that if one does not eat with the intention of fulfilling the Mitzvah, then the meal is considered a regular meal (Seudas Reshus) and does not count as a Mitzvah.]; Kaf Hachaim 529:45; Baal Shem Tov in Keser Shem Tov 395 [teaches that one’s focus when eating on Shabbos and Yom Tov should be on the G-dly vitality within the food, not on physical pleasure; seeking only physical pleasure distances one from Hashem.]; Sefer Hamamarim Samech Vav p. 154 “Eating on Shabbos is not a physical pleasure but a spiritual pleasure.”; Rebbe in Sichas 1951 Chayeh Sarah 18 [notes that even diligence in eating on Shabbos requires moderation, corresponding to one’s zeal in other, more demanding Mitzvos. The Baal Shem Tov illustrated to his students that excessive focus on eating can degrade a person’s spiritual stature.]; See also Elya Raba 293:2 citing Abudarham, states one should not eat excessively on Shabbos to preserve an appetite for later meals; thus, one should exercise self-control and sometimes forgo desired foods.; Reishis Chochmah Shaar Hakedusha 15:53 advises not to overindulge even in permitted foods on Shabbos; Mateh Efrayim Alef Hamagen 581:3) [notes that one may delay eating a Shabbos delicacy during the meal for the sake of Iskafya, and such restraint is considered as if one fasted the entire day.]
