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Reb Yisroel Salantar

Before I started to learn mussar, I thought the whole world was deficient except for me. After I started, I found the world full of sinners including me. Now that I’ve learned some more, I realize that I am indeed a sinner, but I must judge the rest of the world favorably. 

Berach Moshe

The Kedushas Yom Tov used to say that a Jew is required to be “Shomer Shabbos,” a guardian over Shabbos. Someone who is guarding something is prohibited from becoming distracted and losing sight of what he is watching over for even one moment. 

Reb Moshe of Satmar, who was the great-grandson of the Kedushas Yom Tov writes that true to this belief, the Kedushas Yom Tov would not sleep whatsoever over Shabbos, and would spend day and night immersed in Torah study.

Baal Hatanya 

One should not be downhearted, and one should not be afraid, if he finds that he is spending his entire life in a battle with the yetzer hara, because perhaps it is precisely for this that he was created, and his mission is to constantly battle and overcome the yetzer hara, again and again and again. 

Meor Einayim

Sometimes, a person is suddenly inspired with a desire to serve Hashem, and this is caused by the Tzadik who prays and elevates his generation. 

Kedushas Levi

After prayer, one should ask himself, “How can I act so arrogantly as to speak vain words and take pleasure in them?” Why, just one moment ago I spoke before the great and awesome King and indeed, soon I will speak with Him once more – and His glory fills the earth…” This contemplation will cause one’s prayer to find favor in the eyes of Hashem. 

Avodas Yisroel

Just as we should prepare our dwelling to be a respectable place to host the holy Shabbos by cleaning our homes, lighting candles, and so on, we must also prepare our thoughts, minds, and hearts to be a respectable dwelling place for the Divine Presence which rests within us on Shabbos Kodesh

Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk

One who works throughout the entire week for the sake of Heaven and with good intentions, whether it is with his business or Torah learning, the light of Shabbos will radiate within him on Friday morning, even before he begins his Shabbos preparations. 

Therefore, a sign that a person went through his week with holiness and if Hashem is pleased with his work, is if when Friday morning arrives, he feels the light of the holiness of Shabbos upon him. 

Komarna

Even though it is true what the Tzadik Rebbe Elimelech said, that one who conducts himself with proper holiness the entire week will merit a powerful light on Erev Shabbos, to receive this one needs a tremendous Heavenly assistance and to be a kadosh like Rebbe Elimelech, who was on such a level. But I write as I learned from my rabbeim….(that before the great light of Shabbos, one often goes through darkness on Erev Shabbos).