The soft glow of Shabbat candle lighting marks the serene transition from the ordinary week to a sacred day of rest and spiritual elevation. This ancient ritual, performed by Jewish women and girls, involves the kindling of special candles just before sunset on Friday evening, immediately followed by the recitation of the Hamotzi blessing over the wine and the two loaves of challah bread. While the candles themselves do not form a formal blessing in most traditions, their warm light creates the essential atmosphere for welcoming the Shekhinah, or divine presence, into the home. The dancing flames serve as a visual and emotional prelude to the blessings that sanctify the Shabbat day, making the candle lighting an indispensable first step in a sequence of prayers and rituals that define the Jewish Sabbath.
Historical Origins and Traditional Significance
The origins of the Shabbat candle lighting ceremony are rooted in the commandments found in the Torah, which mandate the cessation of creative work on the seventh day. The specific practice of women kindling lights, however, is derived from the Oral Torah and the interpretations of the Sages, who established this act as a means of honoring the sanctity of the day. According to traditional sources, the two candles represent the dual commandments of "Zachor" (remember) and "Shamor" (observe), referring to the two aspects of the Shabbat commandment found in the Ten Commandments. By fulfilling this mitzvah, women are credited with bringing peace and blessing into the household, transforming the domestic space into a sanctuary of holiness.
The Timing of the Ritual
Timing is critical to the proper observance of this ritual, as the candles must be lit before the onset of Shabbat. This moment, known as *candle lighting time*, is typically calculated as eighteen minutes before sunset, although specific communities may adjust this based on local customs or astronomical calculations. It is forbidden to light the candles once Shabbat has begun, as the flame must be ignited while the day is still considered weekday. Consequently, the woman of the house, or another member of the family, carefully monitors the setting sun to ensure the transition is sanctified at the precise moment, balancing the fading light of the week with the ascending holiness of the day.
Step-by-Step Procedure
While the customs surrounding the ceremony can vary, the core procedure follows a consistent pattern that has been passed down through generations. Many women prepare the candles and matches beforehand to avoid the need for forbidden actions on Shabbat. As the designated time arrives, they cover their eyes with their hands or turn away, reciting the blessing, "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat." After the blessing, the hands are uncovered, and the flames are gently spread apart to symbolize the embrace of the Shabbat Queen, drawing the light and peace into every corner of the home.
Customs and Symbolism
Beyond the basic obligation, various communities have developed rich symbolic traditions around the Shabbat candles. Some women light an additional candle for each member of the family, ensuring that everyone is included in the blessing of the day. It is customary to cover the eyes during the blessing to create a sense of internal visualization and to separate the act of creation (lighting) from the act of sanctification (blessing). Furthermore, the covered eyes are opened only after the blessing is completed, marking the moment when the physical light merges with the spiritual intention, allowing the participant to truly "see" the holiness of Shabbat entering their world.
The Connection to Prayer and Blessings
More perspective on Shabbat prayer over candles can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
