1. The Origins and Purpose of Mivtza Neshek
This week’s class is based on Likkutei Sichos, Volume 15, the third and fourth sicha—talks of the Rebbe. The Rebbe initiated what he called Mivtza Neshek, a campaign to encourage the lighting of Shabbos candles. The word neshek is an acronym for neiros Shabbos kodesh—the holy Shabbos candles that are lit before Shabbos and holidays in Jewish homes.
Traditionally, only married women would light these candles. However, the Rebbe’s proclamation was to encourage all women, including young unmarried girls, to participate in this mitzvah. He emphasized that even girls should light their own Shabbos candles before sunset on Friday night. This initiative was rooted in lessons drawn from this week’s Parsha, highlighting the unique spiritual power of women and girls lighting Shabbos candles.
2. The Miracles of Sarah’s Tent and Their Return with Rivkah
The Parsha describes how Avraham sent his servant Eliezer to find a wife for his son Yitzchak. After a series of miracles and signs, Rivkah is chosen and brought back to marry Yitzchak. The Torah states that Yitzchak brought Rivkah into the tent of his mother Sarah, married her, loved her, and was comforted after his mother’s passing.
On the surface, this verse seems straightforward: Yitzchak brings Rivkah into Sarah’s tent and marries her. However, Rashi provides a deeper interpretation. He explains that when Rivkah entered Sarah’s tent, she became like Sarah in three miraculous ways: First, the Shabbos candle that Sarah lit before Shabbos would miraculously burn from one Friday to the next; second, there was a special blessing in her dough; third, a cloud hovered over the tent as a sign of Divine presence.
These miracles ceased when Sarah died but returned with Rivkah’s arrival. Rashi draws these details from Bereishis Rabbah, emphasizing that these were not just random miracles but signs of spiritual continuity between Sarah and Rivkah.
3. Rashi’s Source for the Miracles in the Verse
The Rebbe asks: Where does Rashi see hints for these miracles in the verse? The Torah could have simply stated that Yitzchak brought Rivkah and married her; instead, it adds three extra words: “to the tent of his mother Sarah.” According to the Rebbe, each word hints at one of the three miracles.
The word “tent” (ohel) with a definite article suggests something unique about this tent—a reference to the cloud above it, similar to when Avraham saw “the place” (hamakom) with a cloud during the Akeidah episode. The word “Sarah” alludes to her unique role in preparing food for guests (as seen when Avraham asked her specifically to bake cakes for visitors), hinting at the blessing in her dough. Finally, “his mother” (imo) points to candle lighting—a mitzvah traditionally associated with Jewish mothers.
The order Rashi presents these miracles also reflects their importance: first candle lighting (a mitzvah), then blessing in food (connected but not itself a mitzvah), then the cloud (a sign of Divine presence). These signs convinced Yitzchak that Rivkah was worthy to be his wife.
4. The Unique Power of Women’s Candle Lighting
An important insight emerges from this narrative: Although Avraham likely lit Shabbos candles after Sarah’s passing (since if there is no woman present, it becomes the man’s obligation), none of these miracles occurred during his tenure as candle lighter. Only when Sarah or later Rivkah lit did these wonders return.
This highlights a special spiritual power inherent in women’s candle lighting—a power not replicated by men performing the same act. Furthermore, according to Rashi, Rivkah was only three years old at this time yet still lit candles even before marriage. This serves as a precedent for encouraging even very young girls (from age three) to light their own Shabbos candles.
5. Spiritual Impact Beyond Physical Miracles
While we do not see our candles physically burn all week as they did for Sarah and Rivkah, spiritually every woman’s candle continues to shine throughout the week. The Rebbe explains that women’s influence through this mitzvah extends far beyond its moment—it illuminates their homes continuously.
The innocence and purity of children add another dimension: When little girls light candles with pure intent (hevel she’ein bo chet—innocent breath without sin), their act brings special blessing into their homes and communities.
The Rebbe strongly encouraged everyone who can influence others to ensure every Jewish girl lights Shabbos and holiday candles from age three onward. This brings blessings not only into individual homes but also connects us spiritually with the lights of Tzion—the Beis HaMikdash itself—as Hashem promises those who kindle lights will merit seeing His holy light.
6. Transformative Power of One Candle
The impact goes beyond fulfilling a mitzvah: Many families have become more observant simply because a little girl began lighting Shabbos candles each week. The Rebbe recounted stories where entire households transformed into shomer Shabbos—Sabbath-observant homes—all sparked by one small candle lit by an innocent child on Erev Shabbos.
7. The Identity of Keturah and Lessons from Avraham’s Family
Toward the end of our Parsha we read that Avraham married another woman named Keturah after Sarah passed away. At first glance one might think Keturah was someone new; however Rashi clarifies she was actually Hagar—Avraham’s former maidservant whom he had previously sent away.
Keturah received this new name because her deeds became as beautiful as incense (ketores). Additionally she never remarried during her separation from Avraham—a fact necessary for him to take her back according to halacha.
The Rebbe addresses why Rashi emphasizes Keturah’s identity as Hagar: It answers how Avraham could influence so many people yet seemingly fail with those closest to him—his own family members like Hagar or Yishmael. In truth both ultimately returned: Yishmael did teshuvah—repentance—(as seen by his presence at key moments), and Hagar too repented and merited reunion with Avraham under her new name Keturah.
This teaches us about persistence in influencing those closest to us spiritually—sometimes results are delayed but ultimately seeds planted bear fruit even within our own families.
8. Closing Thoughts on Influence and Education
Let us conclude by referencing an additional story from Gemara about Rabbi Tarfon's sons struggling with learning [CHECK ATTRIBUTION: verify the sage and family relationship against the audio] despite his efforts—a reminder that influencing others spiritually can be challenging even for great individuals but is always worthwhile.
The overarching message is clear: Whether through lighting candles or other acts of education and kindness, our efforts have lasting impact both within our families and beyond.