The Power of Tosefet Shabbat

Stretching the Boundaries of Shabbat

The concept of Tosefet Shabbat (accepting Shabbat a few minutes early) is more than a stringency. It’s a powerful spiritual tool. The Ben Ish Chai, in his commentary Ben Yehoyada, explains the teaching of our Sages: “Whoever delights in Shabbat is granted a boundless inheritance.” He writes that when a person broadens the borders of Shabbat by ushering it in early, Shabbat responds in kind, broadening that person’s boundaries in all areas of life, livelihood, health, children, and marriage, among other things.

Rabbi Asher Kovalsky shared the moving stories of two families who were desperate for a miracle. Both families told him firsthand what happened.

“Several years ago, we received a phone call at the ‘Tosefet Shabbat’ hotline,” he recalls. “On the line was a woman named Mrs. Weiss, and her deep emotional pain could be detected in every word she said. Slowly, she opened up. She and her husband were about to mark their tenth wedding anniversary, but it wasn’t a celebration. It was a painful milestone: ten years of waiting, hoping, and longing for a child of their own.

She described how they had done everything they could, including medical treatments, heartfelt prayers, and spiritual remedies. Still, their home remained heartbreakingly quiet.”

At the hotline, aptly named Tosefet Shabbat, the experienced volunteer offered a suggestion: begin accepting Shabbat early. She quoted a powerful teaching from the Arizal, stating that Tosefet Shabbat, especially when done with the goal of encouraging others to do the same, is a tried-and-true segulah (spiritual omen) for having children.

Mrs. Weiss was deeply moved by the words and decided to join the effort. She not only began accepting Shabbat early herself, but also took on the mission of inspiring others to do so. She distributed flyers, encouraged friends and relatives, and became a driving force in the growing movement of Tosefet Shabbat advocates.

Then, suddenly, she stopped. But for the best of reasons: Mrs. Weiss gave birth to a baby girl.

After more than a decade of waiting, her prayers were answered. The home that was once filled with silence now echoed with newborn cries, sweet music to the hearts of her and her husband, and a testament to the spiritual power of Tosefet Shabbat.

A Neighbor Inspired

In the same neighborhood lived another couple, the Zacharia family. Shortly after Mrs. Weiss returned home with her new baby, her neighbor came knocking at her door.

Tears streaming down her face, Mrs. Zacharia asked, “What did you do? You have to tell me! How did you merit this after ten years of waiting? We’ve been waiting twelve. We’ve done everything, and we’re still waiting. What opened the gates for you?”

Mrs. Weiss, fully understanding the depth of her neighbor’s pain, shared her secret openly: “If you want to know what changed, I’ll tell you the truth. This baby isn’t mine. She’s the gift of Tosefet Shabbat. I only received her once I began accepting Shabbat early and encouraging others to do the same. That’s my advice: join me. Take on Tosefet Shabbat and spread the word.”

Mrs. Zacharia did just that. From that very Shabbat, she began ushering in Shabbat early and poured her energy into inspiring others. Flyers went up, booklets were distributed, family members were encouraged, and she became a passionate force for this sacred cause.

And then, after thirteen years of marriage, and over 150 months of longing, Mr. and Mrs. Zacharia were blessed with twin girls. Their cries were not only the sound of life, but the sweetest melody they had ever heard.

Three Girls, One Source

Today, these three little girls can be seen playing in the same neighborhood, each one a living testament to the spiritual power of Tosefet Shabbat. A few extra minutes at the start of Shabbat. Minutes of holiness. Minutes that open heavenly gates. Minutes that bring yeshuot (salvations).

These are not abstract teachings or mystical theories. These are stories told firsthand by the families themselves. They are happy to share more, on one condition: try it yourself. Take on a few extra minutes of Shabbat. See what happens.

The blessings we yearn for, whether children, health, or livelihood, are waiting for us. All it takes is a small weekly commitment that holds infinite power.

So why not join the growing chorus of families who greet Shabbat early with “Lecha Dodi”? Give yourself those few extra minutes of peace, joy, and light. Join the movement and watch the gates begin to open.

A Hebrew version of this story originally appeared on the 'Dirshu' website.