Shabbat Times

Shabbat candles are traditionally lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. The exact time varies by location and time of year. Some communities, particularly in Jerusalem, light 40 minutes before sunset. Use our Shabbat times tool to find the accurate candle lighting time for your specific location.

Havdalah is the ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat on Saturday night. It typically occurs when three stars are visible in the sky, usually about 42-72 minutes after sunset depending on your location and community custom. The ceremony includes blessings over wine, spices, and a braided candle.

Shabbat times change weekly because they are based on sunset, which shifts throughout the year due to the Earth's axial tilt. In summer, sunset occurs later, making Shabbat start and end later. In winter, the opposite is true. Times also vary by geographic location - cities further from the equator experience more dramatic seasonal changes.