V'shamru

V'shamru is a verse from the Torah that emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath. The text of the blessing is taken from the Book of Exodus (Exodus 31:16-17) and is recited as follows:

“V’shamru v’nai Yisrael et haShabbat, la’asot et haShabbat l’doroteihem brit olam. Bein oar uvein choshach, bein Yisrael uvein amim. V’yadu ki ani Adonai m’kadeshechem.”

In English, this translates to:

“The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. Between Me and the children of Israel, it is a sign forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.”

This blessing serves to remind worshippers of the significance of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. It highlights the Sabbath as a day of rest and spiritual renewal, in accordance with the commandment given in the Torah.