Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

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July 24, 2026

Q I’m in a camp in the mountains with only one minyan, in which Kabalas Shabbos concludes some 15 minutes before shkiah. Until when may I light neiros?

A The concept of tosefes Shabbos is that anytime after plag hamincha, one may add on to Shabbos, so if someone verbally accepts Shabbos prior to shkiah, it begins for him. The Rishonim (see Rosh, Shabbos 2:24 and O.C. 261:4) say that starting Maariv (from Barchu) constitutes an acceptance of Shabbos.

The Mechaber (ibid.) adds that in places where Mizmor Shir Leyom HaShabbos is recited before Maariv—a minhag that has since become universal—its recitation, too, effects kabalas Shabbos. Some contend otherwise (see Magein Avraham ibid. 13), but the Mishnah Brurah (ibid. 31) follows the Mechaber. He adds that where Lecha Dodi is said, Shabbos descends at its conclusion (see Chut Shani, Shabbos 2:2).

The Mordechai (Shabbos 297), codified in O.C. 263:11, says that an individual is pulled along by the tzibur regardless of his own intent or protest. Once the majority of the kehilah has been mekabel Shabbos, it is Shabbos for all.

This halacha does not apply today in most communities, as the Mishnah Brurah (ibid. 51) says that where there are multiple shuls, or multiple minyanim within a single shul, one may opt out and attach himself to a minyan that davens later. But it does apply in a camp or bungalow colony with no other shul within the tchum.

Once your camp’s sole minyan finishes Lecha Dodi, everyone on the grounds must desist from melacha. If you forgot to do something, even if it isn’t a tzorech Shabbos, you may, before shkiah, instruct a non-Jew to do it (Mishnah Brurah 261:18). After shkiah, amirah lenachri is more restricted.