Is there a limit as to what one may speak about on Shabbos?

We will deal with this question on two levels - the first pertains to one’s spiritual conduct and the second is a halachik perspective.

In Yeshaya 58:13 we find the following possuk:

'13 - Im tashiv mishabbos raklecha, asos cheftzicha b'yom kadshi, v'karasa lashabbos oneg, likdosh Hashem mechubad, v'chibadito ma'asos derachecha, mimtzoh cheftzicha v'daber davar.' 

This entire possuk is utilized to teach how one is to conduct oneself on Shabbos. We learn the issue of oneg Shabbos – enjoying the Shabbos, honoring the Shabbos and more.

We also learn that one’s speech on Shabbos must not be the same as weekday speech. One must not only refrain from violating the Shabbos by not performing the melachos and the many rabbinical prohibitions, but one must transform oneself and be a different person on Shabbos. Thus one’s dress, actions and speech should be  different from that of during the week.

Of course the level to which this is taken varies from person to person as it depends on one’s spiritual purification and perfection.

Let us begin at the top –

The Mishna Berura writes [1] that one who refrains from speaking about weekday matters on Shabbos will be called holy. He continues saying that “people of deeds” would only speak in Lashon HaKodesh on Shabbos, even when essential matters are involved, in order not to be drawn into idle chatter.

Is that type of conduct not meant for very pious people?

To conduct oneself in such a manner for an entire Shabbos is indeed above most of our spiritual levels. Nevertheless it does not mean that we are exempt from knowing where we should be heading and what we must strive for. For example, the Mishna Berura [2] cites the Sheloh HaKadosh [3] who says that one who greets a fellowman on Shabbos should not greet him in the weekday fashion - good morning etc. rather one should say gut Shabbos or Shabbat Shalom, in order to fulfill the mitzvah of remembering the Shabbos.

We all conduct ourselves in this manner (although we may not have been aware of the reason for it) because we know Shabbos is different. (For this reason some have the custom not to say good night, before going to sleep on Shabbos, because it is Shabbos and one should say gut Shabbos or Shabbat Shalom). [4]

Are there any restrictions as to which thoughts are permitted on Shabbos and which are not?

From a purely halachik view point we learn from the possuk that states 'v'daber davar'  - that certain speech is forbidden on Shabbos, not thoughts, and one may think about one’s business on Shabbos. However, the Shulchan Aruch [5] writes that one should not think about business matters at all because of oneg Shabbos, especially if it causes worry and anxiety.

The Mechaber continues that one should feel on Shabbos as if one has concluded all of one’s business transactions and the M”B says this is learned from 'sheishes yamim ta'avod v'asisa kal melachtecha'  - one should conclude all of one’s work in 6 days, and that comes about because it should be that when Shabbos begins - 'u'vayom hashvii shavas' , it should be as if one’s business is concluded. When Shabbos begins there is no need for more work. This indeed is a high plane for one who is in the middle of a complicated business issue, but it is expected of us.

What if my business is B”H very successful. May I not think about it?

Thinking about and being excited about $1,000,000 in the bank is not a crime, but it will most probably lead to problems. One will start thinking whether it is invested wisely, is it earning enough etc. The same with a successful business. There are many complicated matters involved and one will begin to think about them on Shabbos. The optimal conduct on Shabbos therefore, is to totally disconnect one’s mind from such matters and focus on more spiritual matters.