The word “vayechulu” is usually translated as “were ended” or “were brought to perfection.” As the Ohr Ha’Chaim states, the root word vkf also signifies “to yearn.” When Hashem completed creation, He had to prevent His creatures from falling prey to the inertia which befalls every living being who lacks aspiration. He consequently imbued His creatures with a yearning, and quest for Divine Light. The term vkf expresses this yearning, which contains within it the ability to lose oneself entirely in spiritual thought. This longing represents an expression of the love crowning the work of creation.
In citing the Ohr Ha’Chaim, Rabbi E. Munk z.t.l. explains that Hashem gave a unique gift, which is an integral principle of creation, namely the Shabbos. This day gives man the opportunity to fulfill his desire and move closer to the source of creation, Hashem. It rescues the soul from the clutches of the mundane materialistic world and avails a release for its metaphysical cravings. This is the meaning of “Neshama Y’saira,” the added soul, which is added with the advent of Shabbos. On the Shabbos day, the soul is offered the means to fulfill its supreme purpose on earth.
