Shabbat Lighting of the Candles: The Blessing of Sabbath

Welcome to the cherished tradition of Shabbat lighting of the candles. It’s an important act of grace, with women of all ages gently dancing their hands over the flames.

From two to ten, each candle is lit in honor of Shabbat, providing light and warmth to the room. We’re all accustomed to and obligated to light these candles, celebrating the commandment, “אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו,” reminding us of our sanctity.

So, let’s enjoy this beautiful journey of light and spirituality together.

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The Ritual of Shabbat Lighting of the Candles
Step-by-Step Guide to Shabbat Lighting of the Candles
The Shabbat Candle Lighting Prayer
Who is Obligated to Light the Candles?
Candles: Deeply Rooted Symbols in Jewish Tradition
Frequently Asked Questions about Shabbat Candle Lighting

The Ritual of Shabbat Lighting of the Candles

Shabbat begins every Friday at sundown, marking the start of a day of rest. Its arrival is heralded by lighting Shabbat candles. This act is not just about bringing physical light into the home; it’s an invitation to spiritual light, tranquility, and divine blessings.

Candle lighting traditionally involves two candles, symbolizing the two Torah commandments: “remember” and “observe” the Shabbat. Yet, the number of candles lit can vary. Many families add an additional candle for each child, while others continue lighting one for every member of the family. It’s not unusual for a woman to light seven candles or even more. An additional candle is sometimes added as a form of ‘tikkun’ or rectification if a woman forgets to light the candles before sunset on a previous Shabbat.

In Jewish law, both men and women have the obligation to light candles. However, most commonly married women are lighting them. They may be joined by their daughters, symbolizing the passing of tradition from one generation to the next.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shabbat Lighting of the Candles

Here’s how you can light Shabbat candles at home, following the traditional Jewish ritual:

Place the candles in the dining room, or wherever the Shabbat meal will take place.
Light the candles, making sure the wick catches the flame. The candles must be capable of burning on their own.
Once the candles are lit, it’s customary to wave your hands over the flames three times, then cover your eyes.
Upon lighting the candles, recite the Shabbat candle lighting blessing.
Then take a few moments of personal prayer. This quiet time is a special moment of reflection and connection to the spiritual significance of Shabbat.
With the Shabbat candles lit, and the atmosphere of Shabbat set, you’re now ready for the next rituals that will lead you to the Friday night dinner: Kiddush, the blessing over the wine, Netilat Yadayim, the washing of your hands and Hamotzi blessing over the bread.

Remember, the importance of these steps is not just in their performance, but in their meaning. They’re not just actions; they’re a way to welcome the divine, celebrate our blessings, and honor the sanctity of Shabbat.

The Shabbat Candle Lighting Prayer

In English:

“Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candles.”

In Hebrew:

“Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.”

This blessing is said to honor the jewish Sabbath but it also expresses the intentions and prayers of those who recite it. They’re not just speaking the words; they’re inviting in the peace of Shabbat, acknowledging the sanctity of the day, and connecting to generations of Jews who have said the same blessing. The blessing infuses the lighting of the candles with profound spiritual significance, transforming a simple act into a sacred ritual.

The prayers and blessings said upon lighting the Shabbat candles are more than just words. They are expressions of gratitude, of reverence, and of hope. These words are deeply meaningful, reflecting the spiritual intentions of the person lighting the candles. It’s a moment of tranquillity in a busy week, a moment to pause, to reflect, and to welcome the peace of the Sabbath.

Who is Obligated to Light the Candles?

The task of lighting Shabbat candles has traditionally fallen to the women of the household. This custom has roots in the belief that women are the primary nurturers of the faith in the home. Often, they’ll be joined by their daughters, symbolizing the transmission of tradition from one generation to the next.

However, in the absence of a woman or if she is unable to light the candles, the man of the house may light candles as well. In fact, in Jewish law, everyone in the household shares the responsibility to ensure there’s light. If you’re living alone, whether you’re a man or a woman, you’re obligated to light Shabbat candles.

The underlying principle here is not about who lights the candles, but ensuring that they’re lit. The candles’ glow is essential for creating a warm, peaceful environment and honoring the sanctity of Shabbat. Regardless of who performs the task, the light of Shabbat candles brings divine blessings and spiritual joy into the home.

Candles: Deeply Rooted Symbols in Jewish Tradition

Candles are deeply entwined in Jewish culture. They are much more than simple sources of light, symbolizing the divine and serving as beacons of spiritual wisdom. Every time we participate in the ritual of lighting candles at home, it feels as if we are welcoming G-d’s grace into our dwelling.

Imagine each flicker of the wick as a tiny whisper of a greater spiritual truth. It’s not just about physical light; it’s a representation of deeper insights, the wisdom found in Torah, and the comforting presence of the divine.

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Lighting a candle forms a bond with the divine, as if holding a tiny piece of the eternal flame. When we say the blessing and light candles, it’s like we’re uttering a silent prayer, a wish for guidance and illumination on our journey. Our words during the blessing, ‘Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam’ (Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, king of the universe), act as a beacon, summoning peace, serenity, and divine companionship.

Candles in the dining room or any part of the house convey an important message: we mustn’t forget our obligation to light them. They are powerful symbols, expressing our continuity, our customs and the role women play in this sacred task. An additional light may be introduced each week, in the form of an extra candle, a symbol of our commitment to this blessed act.

Whether we light ten, two, or just one candle, it’s a moment of tranquility, of hands held over the flames, and of souls bathed in a divine glow. It’s not just the women lighting; it’s an act shared by all, regardless if one is Ashkenazic or Sephardic. All are welcome in this profound and sacred moment, where the mere act of lighting becomes a testament of faith.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shabbat Candle Lighting

When should the Shabbat candles be lit? The candles should be lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. This is to ensure that no work is performed after the beginning of Shabbat, as it’s forbidden to light a fire on Shabbat.
How long should the Shabbat candles burn? The candles should ideally burn throughout the Shabbat meal. Jewish law requires them to burn for at least half an hour after nightfall.
What if I can’t light the candles at the appointed time? If you’re unable to light the candles 18 minutes before sunset, you should light them as soon as you can. However, you should not light them after sunset as it is forbidden to kindle a flame on Shabbat, according to the 39 rules of Shabbat.
What if I forget to light the Shabbat candles? If you forget to light the Shabbat candles one week, you should add an extra candle the following week.
What is the earliest time to light Shabbat candles? The earliest time to light Shabbat candles is called “Plag HaMincha,” which is 1 hour and 15 minutes before sunset.
How do you put out Shabbat candles? You don’t. It’s forbidden to extinguish a fire on Shabbat, so candles are left to burn out naturally.
How many candles are you supposed to light on Shabbat? The custom is to light two candles, corresponding to the two mentions of Shabbat in the Ten Commandments. However, many people light an additional candle for each child in the family, and some even light seven candles.
Some Ashkenazic families have a tradition of lighting an extra candle every week, while Sephardic families may continue lighting the same number. But regardless of the number, the ritual remains the same.
Can I light one candle for Shabbat? Yes, you can light one candle for Shabbat. However, it’s customary to light at least two candles.
Why do you cover your eyes when lighting Shabbat candles? Women cover their eyes after lighting the candles and saying the blessing to delay seeing the light of the candles until after the blessing has been said.
Can I move the candlesticks after lighting? Once Shabbat begins with the candle lighting, we may not move the candlesticks until after Shabbat ends.

Lighting candles for Shabbat is a simple, yet essential ritual we’re all obligated to perform. Everyone, husband and children included, must light candles in the dining room, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere. It doesn’t matter the number; what’s important is to light them.

Depending on the time, candles may create a cozy sanctuary where we connect with the divine. As we say “אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו” (who has sanctified us with His commandments) and “מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם,” (King of the universe), we acknowledge the one corresponding commandment: bringing the sacred light of Shabbat into our homes, accustomed to the rhythm of weekly rest.