GEN219 God made many wondrous things during the seven days of creation, but none so precious as the Sabbath. Of all the precious moments that dot the Jewish temporal landscape, none is as rich as the Seventh Day. Of far greater significance than the duration of creation is the fact that it was crowned by the Sabbath [this verse], bringing rest and refreshment to the toiling world. The concept of a day of rest, sanctified by the divine example, is one of the greatest spiritual and social contributions to civilization made by the religion of Israel. The creative pause, devoted to spiritual renewal and family, was utterly unknown in the ancient world. In fact, the Jews suffered ridicule on account of their day of rest from some of Rome’s most prolific literary figures, including Seneca, Juvenal, and Tacitus.  … The holy Sabbath is the goal of the week. Yet, our business-oriented world treats rest as enabling further exertion of labor. … Many make the mistake of believing that the Sabbath was given by God to man to reinvigorate himself so that he might be more productive in the coming six days.  … in Judaism the six days of work are all a preparation for the one glorious day of rest. … When man works hard to store up some treasure, it affords him a meaningful day of relaxation in which, unencumbered by material concerns, he can focus on the purpose of his creation, the direction of his life. BOTEACH 157-8