In explaining the reason for the Shabbos candles campaign, the Rebbe explained that today’s streets were becoming “dark and wild” and that was seeping into the homes. The Rebbe then told a story of the incredible transformation of one home as a result of Shabbos candles.
Just a few days before Rosh Hashana 5734, the Rebbe announced a campaign to encourage every Yiddishe girl to light Shabbos candles.
At the Shabbos Bereishis 5735 farbrengen, the Rebbe explained the reasoning behind the campaign:
“In years bygone, when Yiddishe homes were permeated with the lights and warmth of Yiddishkeit, and not influenced by foreign ideas, street ideas – in fact the street itself was less dark and wild – one or two candles sufficed. But now, with the world becoming darker and wilder, and the ‘street’ is seeping into the homes, an addition of light is necessary.”
The next year, at the Shabbos Parshas Naso farbrengen of 5736, the Rebbe shared some nachas, how the campaign has changed an entire family:
“There was a girl in a kibbutz who was influenced to light a Shabbos candle,” the Rebbe related. “Since her parents couldn’t convince her, they let her. As a result, the parents stopped watching television while the candles burned. Later they koshered their kitchen, until they transformed their entire home to a Yiddishe home…”
(Likutei Sichos, Vol. 9 p. 22; Sichos Kodesh 5736)
From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash
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