SHABBAT CANDLES
JEWISH LIFE
ABOUT
Every Friday evening, Jewish women across the globe welcome in the spirit of Shabbat through lighting candles.
Lighting the Shabbat Candles is a special opportunity to connect with Jewish women past, present and future, reflect on the week, and create the perfect Friday night ambience in your home.
Message us today to order a Shabbat bag. Thoughtfully packaged, it includes candles, a blessing-card, a small Challah and contemporary reading material.
FAQ
I want to learn more about the Shabbat Candles
You're in luck! Chabad.org has an entire mini-site dedicated to exploring the Mitzvah of Shabbat Candles: http://chabad.org/323422/. Enjoy!
What is the blessing I say when lighting the candles?
Once you've lit the candles, this is the blessing you make, in your preferred language:
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.
Why are Shabbat candles traditionally lit by women?
There are many symbolisms. One of them: Jewish wisdom teachings consider the woman of the home as the creator of its vibe. Lighting the candles is a way of manifesting the spiritual light that the Jewish woman invites into her home.
When is the best time to light Shabbat candles?
Shabbat candles can be lit anytime in the hour before sundown, which changes each week. The candle-lighting we post on this page is 18 minutes before sundown, the optimal time to light.
Why is that the best time? Find out in this article: http://chabad.org/3240769/
Why do we light candles before Shabbat?
Simply, the candles enhance the ambience of Friday night dinner. In a spiritual sense, though, the candles’ flames resemble the warm spiritual light that illuminates our souls and the world around us on the elevated day of Shabbat.
You can learn more about Shabbat candles here: http://chabad.org/323422/
