Prepare your space and gather your materials before beginning the ritual of lighting Shabbat candles. This moment marks the transition from the ordinary week to the sacred time of rest, and the procedure itself is simple yet deeply meaningful. You will need candles, matches or a lighter, and the intention to welcome the Shabbat queen into your home.
Choosing the Right Candles
Selecting appropriate candles is the first practical step in the process. While any standard candle can fulfill the basic requirement, many prefer to use dedicated Shabbat candles for their special occasion. Look for candles that burn cleanly and steadily, providing a warm and steady flame without excessive smoke. Candles made from beeswax or high-quality paraffin are often chosen for their excellent burning qualities and pleasant fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience of welcoming the holy day.
Determining the Accurate Time
Calculating Local Time
Timing is critical, as the candles must be lit before the official sunset marking the start of Shabbat. This window narrows as the weeks progress, making it essential to check the specific time for your location and date. Traditionally, the lighting occurs eighteen minutes before sunset, though some customs adjust this window. Utilize a reliable Jewish calendar app or website that provides the exact Shabbat candle lighting time for your city to ensure you observe the proper moment.
The Procedure of Lighting
Once the time arrives, you should ensure your hands are clean and prepare the candles on a stable surface. It is customary to cover your eyes just before reciting the blessing, creating a transition from the preparatory state to the act of sanctification. Light the candles first, allowing the flame to catch, and then bring your hands together to focus your intention. This physical act of bringing light into the darkness is the central action of the ritual.
Reciting the Blessings
After the candles are lit, the next phase involves the recitation of the traditional Hebrew blessings. Those who can read Hebrew often recite the blessings aloud in the original language, while those who cannot rely on transliterations or English translations. The blessings specifically thank God for commanding us to kindle the Shabbat lights and invoke the peace and sanctity of the day. Covering the eyes during the prayer allows the light to enter the moment of sacred speech.
The Symbolism and Significance
The two candles traditionally lit represent the dual nature of the Shabbat commandment, often interpreted as the remembrance and observance of the day. They also symbolize the union between the divine and the domestic, transforming the ordinary dinner table into an altar. The light they emit serves as a physical manifestation of the spiritual warmth and tranquility that is meant to permeate the home during the next twenty-five hours.
Safety and Practical Considerations
Ensure the candles are placed in a sturdy holder positioned away from flammable materials such as curtains or paper decorations. Never leave burning candles unattended, especially in households with children or pets. After the candles have burned down sufficiently, it is safe to extinguish them directly, though some prefer to allow them to burn out naturally if the holder permits. Practicing caution ensures that the spiritual warmth is not compromised by an accident.
