Segulah to be makabel shabbos early- especially during short Fridays in the winter

Shabbos is coming!

Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman Shlita relates the following story (see below) and tells people seeking Yeshuos (salvation) from childlessness as well as other troubles to adopt this practice of being Mekabel Shabbos earlier than the “regular” time. This is a tried and true method which has helped many people with children, Parnassah, Shiduchim, health etc. Why must we wait for something to go wrong before seeking a Yeshua? Let’s all decide to be Mekabel Shabbos early today before anything goes wrong!  Let us show Hashem that we are excited about his gift of Shabbos and that we “can’t wait” for its arrival and Hashem will not need to give us any reason to “wait” for any Yeshuos in the first place!


He than spoke about the importance of being mekabel Shabbos early, especially on the short Fridays during the winter months. Not to rush into Shabbos at the last second, rather be ready a half hour before the Shkiah.
 Leibish and Baila were married for many years yet were not yet blessed with children. They fervently prayed day in and day out and traveled to many Tzadikim to receive their blessings that they merit having a child, yet they remained childless. Their 15th anniversary came and went and their pain became stronger and more intense; they could no longer bear the loneliness and heartache. Was their destiny to be one of infinite childlessness?  They decided that they must undertake the arduous journey and visit the saintly Chofetz Chaim. Perhaps a Tzaddik of his caliber could offer them a last glimmer of hope.

 The journey took them a few long weeks, but they finally made it to the tiny shtetl of Radin. It seemed so ironic that such a small, insignificant village which was hard to find on a map could be the abode of arguably the greatest personality of his generation and perhaps his era. They knocked on the door of the humble home and were ushered into the unfurnished “study” of the Tzaddik.  They poured out their hearts to the sage and begged him to help them in any way that he could and ensure that they don’t live out their days in childless loneliness.

 The Chofetz Chaim opened a Chumash to Parshas VaYeishev to the portion that relates the story of Yosef recounting his dreams to his brothers, and turned to the woman and asked “What time do you kindle the Shabbos candles each Erev Shabbos?”  Startled by the question, Baila stumbled a reply “Why, eighteen minutes before sunset, as is the Minhag of most Jewish women”

 The Chofetz Chaim read from the Chumash,(Perek 37:11), “…V’Aviv Shomar Es HaDavar and his father “watched” what he said. What does “Shomar” mean?” he asked. “Rashi explains that the word “Shomar” in this context doesn’t mean “watched” rather it means “waited and anticipated for the arrival of…”

 “You are of course Shomrei Shabbos” said the Chofetz Chaim, “but do you anticipate and wait for Shabbos to arrive? Or do you finish your preparations in the nick of time right before Shabbos arrives?  “Shabbos is deserving of us waiting for it! The Shabbos queen is deserving of our full attention when she arrives!”

 The Chofetz Chaim then turned to them and said “In the Aseres Hadibros (Devorim 5:12) it says “Shamor Es Yom HaShabbos L’Kadsho, watch the Shabbos day and make it holy….” And is followed (in 5:14) by “Atah U’Vincha U’Vitecha, you, your son and your daughter…”
 “One who is “Shomer” Shabbos with the definition of the Rashi above merits having children! Be Mekabel (accept) Shabbos early, don’t rush into Shabbos! Wait for Shabbos! Anticipate Shabbos! In this merit may Hashem bless you with “Vincha U’Vitecha,”

 Armed with their newfound mission of becoming “real” Shomrei Shabbos and with the Bracha of the holy Chofetz Chaim, Leibish and Baila returned home with lighter hearts then when they arrived.  The following Erev Shabbos everything was ready a full hour before Sunset, and from that week onward the candles were always lit a full half hour before the “regular” time of Licht Bentching (candle lighting).

 What a beautiful glow those candles brought into the home. What Kavod Shabbos!

 One year later…
 Mazel Tov! The formerly barren home was glowing with the light of a radiant Jewish child….

 Leibish sat at the Shabbos table while holding his son in his arms and gazing at the Shabbos candles. He sang those precious words “HaShomer Shabbos….HaBen Im HaBas…One who anticipates the arrival of Shabbos Kodesh… [Will merit] sons and daughters.
source HERE