Shabbat Light
Want the full rundown on Shabbat candles? Scroll down or click on these categories:
» Who lights?
» When do we light?
» How do we light?
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In our world, it often feels like the only constant is change.
The light of the Shabbat candles remain a beacon of warmth and light, and of meaningful connections and values.
In our world stressed about making a living, the Shabbat candles focus on making al life worth living.
Six days of the week we seek to better the world, on Shabbat we seek to discover ourselves.
Light up your home and light up the world, celebrate time and celebrate light, one shabbat at a time.
“With the world so shrouded in darkness and confusion, it is imperative that (women) illuminate it with the holy lights of the Shabbat candle. In the words of our tradition, 'A little light dispels much darkness.”
- The Rebbe
Who lights?
Women are the pillar of a home. The ones who keep it all together. The one who set the tone, mood and direction of their family.
In short? They are rockstars.
They are tasked with the beautiful Mitzvah of adding the light, blessing and warmth of Shabbat into their homes.
Single girls and women light one candle. After marriage, women light two — and some have the custom of lighting one candle for each member of the immediate family.
Candles are lit on or near the table where the Shabbat dinner will be served, to add to the light and joy of Shabbat.
When do we light?
Shabbat is one party where it is not socially awkward to show up early.
In fact, there is tremendous beauty in welcoming Shabbat before the buzzer beater cut off time.
Typically, Shabbat candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset, at which point Shabbat begins.
If you are blessed to be in the holy city of Jerusalem, the local custom is to light Shabbat candles 40 minutes before sunset.
When does Shabbat begin for you this week? Check out here:
How do we light?
First up: Thinking of others. It us customary to give some coins to charity before candle lighting. Before praying to G-d, we sure do want to express kindness to others.
Use your hands to shield your eyes from the flames and recite the blessing while your eyes are covered.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ
Transliteration: Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nehr shehl shah-baht koh-dehsh.
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.
The blessings vary for holiday candle lighting. Click here for the full List of Shabbat and Holiday Candle Blessings
Candle lighting is a beautiful and opportune time for private prayer. After making the blessing, take a moment to pray for you and those you love. This is your private time with G-d.
Uncover your eyes, gaze at the Shabbat lights and greet your family with "Good Shabbos" or "Shabbat Shalom."
Once you light the candles, you have accepted Shabbat. Embrace the peace, relaxation and blessed energy of this holy day.