Why Shabbat Candles

The Shabbat candles have ushered the holiness of Shabbat into the Jewish home for thousands of years — ever since the matriarch Sarah illuminated her tent with her Friday night lights.

The primary function of the Shabbat candles is to bring peace and tranquility into the home and to enhance our enjoyment of the Shabbat meal. The candles also serve to remind us of the spiritual dimensions of Shabbat: just as a physical candle reveals the otherwise unseen contents of a room, so, too, in a spiritual sense, the Shabbat candles reveal the unseen and intangible G-day energy which permeates our existence.

Times for Candle Lighting

The Shabbat candles are lit Friday evening, eighteen minutes before sunset. Certain communities have the custom to light them somewhat earlier. The latest one that may light the Shabbat candles is sunset; after sunset, it is forbidden to kindle a flame, and to light, a candle would be a desecration of Shabbat.

The earliest the candles may be kindled is plag haminchah, which is the beginning of the last eight of the day (for example, on a day on which there are exactly 12 hours from sunrise to sunset, plag haminchah is 75 minutes before sunset).

Charity before Lighting

It is customary to give extra charity before lighting the Shabbat candles. This reminds us to consider the needs of others even, and perhaps especially, during great spiritual moments.

Once the candles are lit and Shabbat has been ushered in the charity box and all money cannot be handled, so the charity box should be put in a place where it can remain all Shabbat.

Welcome the Shabbat

The time of candle lighting is an especially auspicious time for private prayer. From behind covered eyes, women throughout history have whispered prayers for health and happiness, and for children who will illuminate the world with Torah.

Take a few moments to whisper your own prayers, allowing the unique holiness of the time to permeate your prayers and convey them on high.

Finally, uncover your eyes and gaze at the Shabbat lights. Turn to your loved ones and wish them “Shabbat Shalom” or “Good Shabbos.” Embrace the light, peace, and joy you have generated, and welcome the Shabbat into your home.