This Shabbos, the Light Comes to You | Turn Friday into Erev Shabbos #241

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Sponsored by Mendel & Ciporah Fischman - Zchus for Chaya Rivka bas Ciporah Fradel and in memory of R' Lord Jonathan Sacks, HaRav Ya'akov Zvi ben David Arieh z"l. === This is not an ordinary Erev Shabbos. This is Erev Shabbos Chanukah — and Rosh Chodesh — a convergence of light, renewal, and divine gift unlike any other. In this week’s Turn Friday Into Erev Shabbos, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg reveals a profound teaching from Chazal and the Sfas Emes: Shabbos is Hashem’s greatest gift, hidden in His storehouse — and usually, we must enter to receive it. The light of creation, the Or HaGanuz, is accessible on Shabbos only when we prepare ourselves to step into that sacred space. But Shabbos Chanukah is different. On Chanukah, the hidden light shines downward. Even below ten tefachim. Even into places we struggle to reach. Even when we feel spiritually distant or unprepared. This Shabbos, you don’t have to climb toward the light — the light comes to you. Drawing from the Bnei Yissaschar, the Rokeach, and the Tiferes Shlomo, Rabbi Goldberg explains how the menorah illuminates even the “unqualified oils and wicks” — teaching that every Jew, regardless of their spiritual state, can connect. When the lights of Shabbos and Chanukah unite, they become Orim Gedolim — great lights that dispel darkness, awaken the soul, and spark renewal. Wake up for this Shabbos. Let the light find you. Let it change you.