Candlelighters
a place for women who cherish the TorahLighting the Candles
{Who}
Although everyone in the home has a responsibility to make sure the Shabbat candles are lit, it is our primary mitzvah as women to light the candles. This ceremony is not merely striking a match and igniting a wick – it is an intimate moment between us and HaShem.
{Where}
Shabbat candles are usually lit on the Shabbat table or another place where they are visible to everyone. We want to look at the candles all evening!
{What}
There should be at least two candles lit by the lady of the house. Some families have an additional candle for every child. Others encourage unmarried daughters to light their own set of candles.
White taper candles are normally used. There are many beautiful candle holders available, decorated with Hebrew inscriptions or art, but anything that holds the candles upright is acceptable.
{When}
The time for lighting the Sabbath candles is published in Jewish calendars for most major cities. Generally this time is 18 minutes before sunset, though some communities have other customs. It is best to light a minute or two before the published time. In an emergency, you may still light the candles until just before sunset. If desired, you may light the candles and accept the Sabbath before the published candlelighting time.
{How}
Cover your head (married women) > strike a match > light the candles > circle your fingertips to symbolically draw the light of HaShem’s presence into your home > cover your eyes > recite the blessing below > remove your hands from your eyes
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat. Amen.
Blessed are You, O L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights. Amen.
{Why}
The sages teach us that careful adherence to this mitzvah serves as a merit to having good children. The moment when you light the candles is an appropriate time to beseech G-d, asking Him to shower His blessings upon your household, and especially that you will be able to raise children and grandchildren who are learned in Torah and who are righteous. This is a traditional candlelighting prayer:
May it be Your will, Adonai, my G-d and G-d of my forefathers, that You show favor to me and all my relatives; and that You grant us and all Israel a good and long life; that You remember us with a beneficent memory and a blessing; that You consider us with a consideration of salvation and compassion; that You bless us with great blessings; that You make our households complete; that You cause Your presence to dwell among us. Privilege me to raise children and grandchildren who are wise and understanding, who love Adonai and fear G-d, people of truth, holy offspring, attached to Adonai, who illuminate the world with Torah and good deeds and with every labor in the service of the Creator. Please, hear my supplication at this time, in the merit of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, our mothers, and cause our light to illuminate that it not be extinguished forever, and let Your countenance shine so that we are saved. Amen.
2 Comments»
torahgirl wrote @
Kare, thanks for your comment! I’m so glad the explanation of candlelighting was helpful. Blessings to you and your family – may you be “lights” in the world ~
=)
torahgirl
eshetkayil
mashiki
Rachel Allison
Hergenreter
cndllighter
knitbyHim
talmeedahofyeshua
battzion12
seeandimprove
Thank you for this explanation. I have not incorporated this into our Sabbath meal because I have had some questions about it and not sure how many traditions I want to follow at this point. This definitely helps and it sounds like a beautiful thing!