'Oneg
by Brad Scott
The 'oneg is what generally follows the Shabbat blessings each week. The 'oneg Shabbat, means joy or delight in the Sabbath. Shabbat comes in each week with delight and ends with the more subdued havdalah. Each congregation brings in the joy of Shabbat differently. Many have elaborate parties and much merry making, while others simply sit down to a special meal. This expression of joy and delight celebrates the wonders of YHVH's creation each week. This word comes from the word 'anag (ענג), which means pleasure or to surround with delightful conditions. Here are are few examples of the use of this word in Scripture.
Mizemor (Psalm) 37:4Delight thyself also in YHVH, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 55:1-2Ho, every one that thirsts, come to the waters, and he that hath no money; come, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfies not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Yesha’yahu 58:13-14If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of YHVH, honorable, and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; Then shalt thou delight thyself in YHVH; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Ya'aqov, thy father; for the mouth of YHVH hath spoken it.
Shalom Alecheim! ◊