Rashi explains that some basic halachic differences differentiate Shabbos from the mo’adim, festivals. They are, however, listed together in order to teach us that one who desecrates the festivals is considered as if he desecrated the Shabbos. Likewise, one who upholds the festivals is viewed as if he upheld the Shabbos. What is the underlying message of this lesson?
Horav David Feinstein, Shlita, offers a novel insight into Rashi’s comment. Hashem Yisborach is not only the G-d of Creation, He is also the G-d of history. We believe that just as Hashem created the world, He continues to direct every aspect of its existence – constantly. The Torah repeats a number of times that Shabbos attests to the fact that Hashem created the world. Likewise, the Yomim Tovim are a testament that Hashem continues to rule over the world.
Consequently, a Torah Jew must submit himself to the observance of the festivals as well as Shabbos. To observe Shabbos and be lax in the observance of the festivals is to deny that Hashem controls the world. Such a person will ultimately be faced with a glaring question: Why would Hashem create a world and permit it to run wild without direction? Indeed, such a person might think that since Hashem does not control the world, there was no value in creating it in the first place. Gradually, one may begin to lose faith in Hashem as the Creator of the world.
One who observes the festivals not only affirms that Hashem created the world, but also asserts that He continues to rule over it. By observing the festivals, one gives tribute to Hashem for directing the world, thereby realizing the ultimate value of Creation.
