Within that secret there is another one: That ruach [that rests in the body of a Jew on Shabbat] enjoys the pleasures of Israel and their delights [on Shabbat]. It therefore should be given pleasure in food and drink three times, in the three [Shabbat] meals of the three levels of the faith [of the partzufim of Atzilut, Arich Anpin, Zeir Anpin, and malchut] as was explained [in Zohar Yitro 88b]. And it receives joy and pleasure from these meals of Israel. Happy is he who gladdens and delights it on that day.

All six (week)days, that ruach benefits from the Supernal ruach of Atik (Ancient) of all Atik's (Ancients1) On Shabbat day, after descending and being cleansed in the Garden of Eden during the night, it takes pleasure in the physical pleasure at the meal of faith, and this ruach is crowned Above and Below. It is satiated from all sides, with the higher crown [chesed] and the lower crown [chochma].

Since it (this additional spirit/ruach) is with man, it is necessary that it be protected. Therefore it is written: "Wherefore the children of Israel shall guard the Shabbat." Shabbat is the lower point [malchut]. "’Et’/the Shabbat" refers to that ruach which is the expansion of that point [of malchut].

BeRahamim LeHayyim: What does the above mean to you, and why is it being revealed to you now?

Why are we commanded—yes commanded—to eat 3 meals on Shabbat Night and Day and to have marital relations on Friday Night and to have a nap on Shabbat Afternoon (a custom that has the force of a law)? Simple: even our spiritual soul takes pleasure in these physical activities. Which is why we are mandated to eat a Third Meal even if we are not actually hungry.

All of the Shabbat strictures concerning physical activity as well—like not exercising or doing weekday work—are designed to benefit your higher Presence. Do you have a craving for some special treat? Eat mein kinderlach, eat! Want to nap? Sleep dear one, sleep.

Don't feel like studying or learning Torah---ah, that's your physical soul deluding you. Because the study done on Shabbat is bejillions more powerful than any on a weekday. Yes we should pleasure our extra soul with gashmiyut/material pleasures, but ruchniyut/spiritual stuff like meditation and deep learning rise to the highest heights.

Bracketed annotations from Metok Midevash and Sulam commentaries
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