Shabbat Candle Lighting: A Complete Guide to Welcoming the Sabbath

Lighting candles to welcome Shabbat is one of the most beloved Jewish traditions. It creates a peaceful, sacred atmosphere as we transition from the workweek to the day of rest. The candles symbolize the light and joy that Shabbat brings into our homes. This mitzvah is traditionally performed by women, though men may light if no woman is present. The light represents shalom bayit - peace in the home.

Candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday afternoon (some communities light earlier, up to 40 minutes before). This 18-minute buffer ensures Shabbat isn't accidentally violated. Once candles are lit and the blessing is recited, Shabbat has begun for the person who lit. Check local candle lighting times, as they change weekly based on sunset. The Am Hazak app provides accurate times for your location.

1) Prepare the candles in their holders before lighting. 2) Light the candles. 3) Draw your hands around the flames three times, bringing the light toward you. 4) Cover your eyes with your hands. 5) Recite the blessing: 'Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.' 6) Uncover your eyes and gaze at the candles. Many add a personal prayer at this special moment.

Normally, we recite a blessing before performing a mitzvah. However, once the Shabbat blessing is said, Shabbat has begun and we can no longer light fire. So we light first, then cover our eyes to 'not yet see' the candles, say the blessing, and then uncover our eyes to 'first enjoy' the candlelight. This maintains the principle of blessing before the mitzvah while respecting the prohibition against lighting fire on Shabbat.

The minimum is two candles, representing 'Zachor' (Remember) and 'Shamor' (Keep) - the two ways the Shabbat commandment appears in the Torah. Many women add a candle for each child, some light seven candles corresponding to the days of creation, and some families have other customs. Single women and girls traditionally light one candle. The important thing is consistency with your family's custom.

The moment after lighting candles, with hands still covering the eyes, is considered an especially auspicious time for personal prayer. Many women pray for their children's health, success in Torah learning, and finding good marriage partners. It's a time to pray for family, for healing of the sick, and for personal needs. This weekly opportunity for intimate prayer is cherished across Jewish communities.