#56: The Mitzvah of Tosefet Shabbat (Part 2)

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. As we have mentioned, women who light candles generally accept Shabbat at that time and thereby fulfill the mitzvah of tosefet Shabbat. With respect to men, or women who do not light candles, some say they can accept Shabbat mentally, while others say they must verbalize their acceptance (see Rema 608:3 & Mishnah Berurah 553:2). Practically, Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah (46:2) recommends verbal acceptance if possible, but mental acceptance is also valid. One who recites the last part of Lecha Dodi before sunset also automatically accepts Shabbat in that manner (ibid., 46:3).
  2. The earliest time one may accept Shabbat is at “pelag haminchah,” which is one hour and fifteen minutes prior to sunset using sha’ot zemaniyot (halachic hours calculated when dividing the daytime hours into twelve parts) (Rema 261:2). One who makes “early Shabbat” should make sure not to light Shabbat candles before this time. If one did, her acceptance is not valid and she must light again with a berachah after the proper time (Mishnah Berurah 261:25).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.