The concept of the tzibur (as a whole) accepting Shabbos before the zman is mentioned in Chazal. The Gemara in Shabbos discusses the minhag of blowing the shofar six times to alert the tzibur regarding the impending arrival of Shabbos (and to stop all melachos), even before the actual Halachic z'man that Shabbos begins.

The Shulchan Aruch paskens that if most of the community accepts Shabbos early, then the remaining individuals must accept Shabbos as well. This is not common today, since most communities have different Shuls who daven and accept Shabbos at various times. However, self-contained communities (retirement communities, summer home developments, camps, bungalow colonies, etc.) may be considered their own entity, and if the majority of the congregants accept Shabbos early, the minority may be obligated to accept Shabbos at the same time.

Among the questions discussed:

• The various reasons why the majority rules.
• What if there are two Shuls in the same community, or two minyanim in the same one shul?
• At what point during davening does the Tzibur actually accept Shabbos? - L’cha dodi, Mizmor Shir, or Borchu?
• Retirement communities, vacation home developments, camps, and bungalow colonies.
• Do we differentiate between those who accept Shabbos in order to enhance the Kedushas Shabbos and those who simply make early Shabbos out of convenience?
• Can one daven the weekday Mincha after the tzibur was mekabel Shabbos?
• If Shabbos candles are lit early in the home, does that obligate all family members to accept Shabbos at that time?

Why is motzei Shabbos different? (Some may daven maariv on Motzei Shabbos even while others in the same shul are still enjoying Shalosh Seudos)

Note: To fully understand the actual concept of Kabalas / Tosefes Shabbos, please refer back to our previously published Sugyos on this topic.