Ben Carter
Shabbat candles are used in a Jewish ritual that marks the beginning of Shabbat, the weekly day of rest and celebration, which lasts from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. The candles are lit at sunset on Friday, or up to 18 minutes before, and are allowed to burn out naturally. While it is customary to use white candles, any candle can be used, as long as it burns cleanly and steadily, and for at least two to three hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | White is customary, but any colour can be used |
| Shape | Any shape is acceptable |
| Scent | Scented candles are acceptable, but not preferred. They should not be lit on Shabbat in some communities |
| Wick | Must be clean and stable |
| Burn time | Should burn for at least two to three hours, ideally until after nightfall |
| Number | At least two candles should be lit |
| Lighting time | Earliest: 1 hour and 15 minutes before sunset; Customary: 18 minutes before sunset |
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What You'll Learn
It is customary to use white candles
The use of white candles is not a strict requirement, but a tradition in some communities. In Ashkenazi communities, for example, long and thin wax candles are traditionally used, while in Sephardic communities, women often light short, round velas that resemble tealights.
The important factor is that the candles emit a pure and
The lighting of Shabbat candles is a special part of Jewish observance, and it is customary to light at least two candles. These represent the first words of the commandments concerning Shabbat in the Torah: "shamor" ("keep") and "zakhor" ("remember"). The candles are not to be used for light, as this may be considered a wasted blessing. Instead, they are enjoyed for their symbolic meaning and the beauty of their flame.
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Shabbat candles can be any colour
Shabbat candles are a special part of Jewish observance, and the lighting of these candles is an action that is taken very seriously. The candles are lit to usher in Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, which runs from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday.
While it is customary to use white candles, Shabbat candles can be any colour. The only requirements are that they emit a clean, steady, and stable flame, and that they burn for at least two to three hours. This is to ensure that they last until after nightfall and ideally until after the Friday night meal has concluded.
All candles manufactured today emit a clean and stable flame and are therefore kosher for Shabbat, even if they contain non-kosher ingredients. This means that any candle can be used for Shabbat, as long as it is not specifically intended for use by another religion.
While there are no colour requirements for Shabbat candles, scented candles are generally not preferred. This is because there is a concern about recreating the semblance of lighting incense ritually, as was done during the times of the Temple described in the Torah. However, some people do use scented candles for Shabbat, especially if they are made with natural ingredients.
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Candles should be lit before sunset
The colour of the candles used for Shabbat is not prescribed, and any candle can be used as long as it burns cleanly and steadily. However, some communities follow the tradition of lighting white candles, and in some Ashkenazi communities, long and thin wax candles are used. In Sephardic communities, shorter, rounder candles, like tealights, are more common.
The time for lighting Shabbat candles varies each week, depending on the time of sunset. The earliest time to light the candles is 1 hour and 15 minutes before sunset, but the customary time is 18 minutes before sunset. If this is not possible, candles may be lit during the 18 minutes immediately before sunset. However, it is forbidden to light the candles after sunset, as this would mean starting Shabbat late.
The lighting of the candles is accompanied by a blessing, which presents a challenge as a blessing must usually be said before an act. To resolve this, one lights the candles, covers their eyes to say the blessing, and then enjoys the light of the candles for the first time. This ritual is often preceded by depositing coins in a charity box.
The candles should not be used for light, as this may be considered a wasted blessing. They should be allowed to burn out naturally and should not be moved until after Shabbat. The candles should be large enough to burn for at least two to three hours, which is the duration of a meal.
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Candles should not be moved once lit
There is no strict rule that Shabbat candles have to be white. In some communities, the tradition is to light white candles, particularly when using wax candles. However, the key requirement is that the candles should emit a clean and stable flame. All candles manufactured today meet this criterion and are therefore kosher for Shabbat, even if they are coloured or scented. The candles should ideally be large enough to burn until after nightfall, preferably until after the Friday night meal has concluded.
Now, moving on to the topic of candle safety, it is important to remember that candles should not be moved once they are lit. This is a crucial safety precaution to prevent accidents and fires. When a candle is lit, the wax around the wick melts and becomes liquefied. Moving a lit candle can cause the liquefied wax to spill, potentially leading to burns or other hazards. Additionally, if the candle is bumped or jostled, it could fall and ignite flammable materials nearby.
Furthermore, moving a lit candle can disrupt the stability of the flame. The length of the wick and the amount of liquefied wax around it play a crucial role in maintaining a steady flame. By moving the candle, you risk altering the position of the wick and affecting the flow of wax, which can lead to an unstable flame or even cause the candle to extinguish.
To ensure safety and avoid any potential hazards, it is recommended to place burning candles at least three inches apart from each other and away from flammable objects, such as furniture, curtains, paper, or clothing. Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
In the event that you need to move a lit candle, it is important to take extra caution. Allow the candle to cool down and the wax to solidify before handling it. Make sure the wick is no longer glowing, indicating that the flame has been completely extinguished. By taking these precautions, you can safely move the candle without risking spills, burns, or accidental fires.
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Candles must burn cleanly
Candles are a significant part of Shabbat, and it is important that they burn cleanly and safely. The wax should be of good quality, and the wicks should be trimmed to ensure a clean, steady flame. Shabbat candles are traditionally white, but there is no strict requirement for this. However, the colour white is often associated with purity and peace, which may be why this tradition has endured.
The candles should be placed in a safe location, away from drafts and flammable objects, and they should always be supervised while burning. It is also important to ensure that the candles are made from materials that produce minimal smoke and no toxic fumes. This is not only for the comfort of those present but also to ensure that the air in the room remains pure and clean, symbolically and physically.
The act of lighting Shabbat candles is a sacred ritual, and the candles themselves represent light and warmth. The flame represents the soul, and its steady, unwavering light symbolises the purity and constancy of the soul. The wicks should, therefore, be made from natural fibres that do not produce excessive soot, ensuring the flame remains bright and clear.
The wax should also be free from impurities and additives that may affect the quality of the flame and the purity of the air. Natural wax options, such as beeswax, are preferred. The candles should burn cleanly, with minimal dripping, and the melted wax should not pool excessively to avoid creating a mess and potential fire hazard.
The wicks should be trimmed to an appropriate length, typically about 5mm, to ensure a clean, steady flame. Proper wick length helps prevent excessive soot and smoke and ensures the candle stays lit. Additionally, using appropriate candle holders that catch any dripping wax further contributes to a clean and safe burning process.
By following these guidelines, the Shabbat candles will burn cleanly and safely, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and light and allowing individuals to focus on the sacred rituals and spiritual significance of the occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
It is customary to use white candles for Shabbat, but any candle can be used as long as it burns cleanly and for at least two to three hours.
Beeswax candles are commonly used for Shabbat, but any candle is acceptable as long as it burns cleanly and has a stable flame.
Yes, Shabbat candles can be any colour. In Jewish mysticism, a multicoloured flame is a metaphor for God's relation to the world and man.
