One of my favourite quotes ever goes something like, “The bravest thing I ever did was carry on living when I wanted to give up”. It’s a sentiment I can relate to on both a personal and a spiritual level- it applies not only to my whole life but also to my Jewish journey. For me, Shabbes was always the hardest mitzvah. It seems restrictive. In today’s world, turning on a light is a convenience, not work, says a voice in my head. Why does it matter if you flip a light switch, or tear a packet?
But the biggest challenge is when you’re alone, spending Shabbes with a family directly opposed to your frumkeit, or in a shul where you’re treated like an outsider, and you go home to stare at the four walls of your house and count the minutes until Shabbes goes out. It’s isolating, painful, heartbreaking even. I know quite a few people in this situation, whom I do my utmost to help. Having been there myself, I try to offer them both physical and emotional support. This week, as I kindle the Shabbes lights and remember those who are ill, I also remember those who are spending the Holy day all alone…
This week, Shabbes candles should be lit at 3:49 in London, and Shabbes ends tomorrow at 5:06 PM. When lighting your candles, please keep in mind Chaim Elozor ben Baila, Shmuel Yosef ben Soroh Malka, Moshe ben Hadasa, Moshe ben Genya, Chashachana bas Bryna and Rivka Miriam bas Tsivia Bina. Thank you, and gut Shabbes!
Jewish Thoughts 
You are so right – nobody should spend Shabbos or Yontef alone! I don’t know how it is in Britain, but in the US, most shuls have hospitality committees, and even the smallest Chabad communities will always put strangers up with a friendly, welcoming family. We have never had a problem finding Shabbos accommodations when traveling. Perhaps Baalei T’shuvos are not aware of this, or are simply too reticent to reach out?
Gut Shabbos!
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Unfortunately, I spent time in many communities in London, where there was no Shabbes hospitality whatsoever. B”H, my rabbi and rebbetzen, and my local Chabad, are good at offering this: many other shuls aren’t.
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This is so sad! It really shouldn’t be so as we are all part of one family. I am glad, though, that you have warm and hospitable Rabbi and and Rebbetzen!
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Me, too, I’m very lucky!
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Who is your Rabbi, if I may ask?
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I have two- Rabbi Yisroel Lew and Rabbi Moshe Freedman 🙂
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I thought I might know, but I don’t.
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I’m very lucky to know them!
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You certainly are!
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