The Rebbe's guidance on keeping Shabbos — and on strengthening Shabbos observance in the community:
Don't delay, don't compromise. Begin keeping Shabbos immediately, without delay and without making conditions with G-d; that brings blessing, including in livelihood (IK 1727). Never compromise Shabbos for the sake of livelihood — faith in G-d means trusting Him to provide (IK 6013, 4207); buying a business is good only when Shabbos is fully kept (IK 1436). Mitzvos such as Shabbos stay binding whatever the times or technology (IK 5363). Both Shabbos and kashrus are fundamental; neither may be traded for the other (IK 7800). A job requiring travel is acceptable only if Shabbos and Yom Tov can be kept (IK 10528).
Returning to Shabbos. A true return to Shabbos begins with a firm commitment to careful observance and repeated study of its practical laws (IK 5924). Support someone returning to Shabbos both spiritually and practically (IK 3029). Learn the laws relevant to your own situation, such as Shabbos while traveling (IK 4339, 9021).
Practical questions. Look for practical solutions within halachah, such as a timer for Shabbos lights (IK 4005); on electricity, canned goods and machinery, see IK 4967, 6792. Using a microphone in shul on Shabbos or Yom Tov is a public desecration (IK 6495). Bas mitzvah celebrations should not be held on Shabbos (IK 6386). When a yahrzeit falls on Shabbos, observe the weekday customs beforehand (IK 5094). If candles were lit by mistake after Shabbos began, give tzedakah and learn the relevant laws (IK 1335).
Shabbos candles. Girls, especially from bas mitzvah, should light Shabbos and Yom Tov candles with a blessing (IK 6538), and publicizing candle-lighting times strengthens Shabbos observance (IK 10352).
Shabbos in the community. Preventing public Shabbos desecration is a great communal merit (IK 7967), and public desecration must never be rationalized (IK 5534). Strengthening communal Shabbos observance brings blessing and protection to all (IK 9676, 7724), and every effort in Shabbos hastens the redemption (IK 5641). Shabbos gatherings for children and youth strengthen them (IK 048, 7783).
See also: Land of Israel – Who is a Jew, conversion and public Shabbos; Teshuvah – Rectifying specific wrongs.