Living Jewishly:  Lighting Erev Shabbat Candles

In Judaism, lighting Erev Shabbat candles is a central ritual that welcomes the Sabbath (Shabbat) and symbolizes bringing light, shalom (peace), sanctity into the home.  Here is a step by step guide to the procedure: 


1.  Preparation

  • Timing:  The candles should be lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening.  Check a local Jewish calendar for the exact time in your location.  
  • Candles:  Traditionally,, two candles are lit, symbolizing the two commandments of Shabbat: Zachor ("remember") and Shamor ('observe').  However some families light more candles - one for each family member
  • Placement:  The candles are placed in candlesticks on a stable surface, usually near the dining table, in a safe location.  Once the candles are lit they are not moved.  


2.  Covering the Head

  • Married women cover their heads with a scarf, hat or other head covering while lighting the candles.  This is a customary act of modesty, though it is not required for unmarried women or girls.  I would recommend unmarried women of marriageable age to cover their heads while lighting.  


3.  Lighting the Candles

  • The person lighting (typically the woman of the household), lights the candles first.  If there is no woman present a man can perform this mitzvah.  


4.  Waving the Hands

  • After lighting, it is customary to wave the hands toward the face three times in a circular motion.  This symbolizes drawing in the light and sanctity of the Shabbat.  


5.  Covering the Eyes

  • To avoid "using"  the light before reciting the blessing (a principle in Jewish law), the person coves their eyes with their hands.  


6.  Reciting the Blessing


With eyes covered, the following blessing (bracha) is recited:  


Blessing (in transliteration)"


Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam Asher Kid'shanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu L'hadlik Ner Shel Shabbat Kodesh


Translation:


Blessed are You L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candles.  


7.  Uncovering the Eyes

  • After the blessing, uncover the eyes and look at the flames.  Take a moment to reflect or pray silently if desired.  Many people use this moment to pray for shalom, family health, or other personal intentions.  


8.  Welcoming the Shabbat

  • After the candles are lit, Shabbat officially begins.  It is customary to greet others with "Shabbat Shalom" and proceed to other Shabbat rituals.  In Lapid Judaism we follow the Family Zemiros available through www.artscroll.com    https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9780899061825.html                                                  beginning on page 33 through the blessing over the hamotzi.  Then we partake in the Shabbat meal.  


For more information about Candle lighting, please Click Here for the Chai Light Brochure from Lapid Judaism.  



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