Brooke Martin
Candles are lit on most Jewish holidays, including the first and last days of Passover. When Passover begins on a Saturday night, a seven-day candle or a long-lasting yahrtzeit-style candle is lit before Shabbat, and the flame is transferred after Shabbat. The custom is to light the candles on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset. The lighting of the candles is accompanied by the Shehecheyanu blessing, except on the last days of Passover. The candles symbolise the transition from slavery to freedom, and the commitment to justice and peace.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to light the candles | On the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset. If the candles are not lit before sunset, they may be lit afterwards. |
| Who should light the candles | Jewish women and girls |
| Number of candles | One candle for each deceased parent. Some light one "Candle of Life" per household, and some light one per person. |
| Type of candles | Seven-day candle or a long-lasting yahrtzeit-style candle |
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What You'll Learn
- Candles are lit on the first and last days of Passover
- Holiday candles should be lit on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset
- Yizkor candles are lit by those who have lost parents
- The Shehecheyanu blessing is not recited when lighting candles on the last days of Passover
- A seven-day candle or a long-lasting yahrtzeit-style candle is lit before Shabbat
Candles are lit on the first and last days of Passover
Candles play an important role in Jewish religious ceremonies and are lit on most holidays of Biblical origin, including the first and last days of Passover.
On the first day of Passover, candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset. One source describes a family tradition of lighting the same number of candles on the first night of Passover, decreasing the number by one each night, and then lighting the same number again on the final night. Another source mentions that when Passover falls on a Saturday night, a seven-day candle or a long-lasting yahrtzeit-style candle is lit before Shabbat, and the flame is transferred to another candle after Shabbat.
The lighting of candles on Passover is symbolic of moving from slavery to freedom, and participants are encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts. The seder is a time to reflect on the oppression of the past and to commit to opening hearts and doors to peace-loving refugees.
On the last day of Passover, a Yahrtzeit candle is lit by those who have lost a parent. The Shehecheyanu blessing is not recited when lighting the candles on the final days of the holiday.
It is important to note that while it is forbidden to create a flame on a Jewish holiday, it is permitted to light a candle using a pre-existing flame, such as a candle that was lit before the holiday or a gas stove that has been left on.
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Holiday candles should be lit on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset
Holiday candles are lit during most Jewish holidays of Biblical origin, including Passover. The lighting of candles during Passover is a significant tradition, symbolizing the journey from slavery to freedom and the commitment to welcoming refugees.
The ideal time to light the holiday candles is in the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset. This timing is considered significant, marking the transition from one holy period to another. It is important to note that if the candles are not lit before sunset, they can still be lit afterward.
The number of candles lit during Passover may vary. Some families light a candle for each child, while others follow the custom of lighting the same number of candles as on Shabbat. Additionally, Yizkor candles are lit specifically on the last day of Passover to remember deceased parents or ancestors.
The type of candle used can also vary. Some people use a seven-day candle or a long-lasting yahrtzeit-style candle, which can be lit before Shabbat and used to "transfer flames" after Shabbat, when Passover begins. This practice ensures that the candle is not lit using a match, adhering to the belief that flames should not be created on a holiday.
The lighting of the candles is often accompanied by blessings and rituals. For example, on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, the kindler wears a new garment or places a new seasonal fruit on the table while reciting the Shehecheyanu blessing. These traditions add symbolic value and spiritual significance to the candle-lighting ceremony during Passover.
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Yizkor candles are lit by those who have lost parents
Candles are lit on most Jewish holidays of Biblical origin, including the first and last days of Passover. The custom of lighting a Yahrzeit candle for the deceased is deeply ingrained in Jewish life. The Yahrzeit candle, meaning "soul candle" in Hebrew and "anniversary candle" in Yiddish, is lit in memory of the dead.
The Yahrzeit candle is lit on the eve of Yom Kippur or the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony and burns throughout the occasion. The candle flame is thought to symbolise the human soul, with the Book of Proverbs (chapter 20, verse 27) stating, "The soul of man is the candle of God". The Yahrzeit candle is lit to remember the departed soul of a loved one and the precious fragility of life.
The Yizkor memorial prayer is recited during four holidays: Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Passover, and Shavuot. Yizkor candles are lit by those who have lost parents. While some light one candle for both parents, others light a candle for each deceased parent. The candle is lit before sunset on the eve of the holiday.
The Shiva candle is lit immediately following the passing of a loved one and burns for seven days. During the week of Shiva, the candle is lit for the soul's delight and memory, as it is believed that the soul has permission to travel back to this world.
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The Shehecheyanu blessing is not recited when lighting candles on the last days of Passover
Candles are lit on most Jewish holidays of Biblical origin, including the first and last days of Passover. The Shehecheyanu blessing is a prayer that expresses appreciation for special occasions in our lives. It is said to mark the onset of every Yom Tov, or Rabbinically ordained holidays, and to thank Hashem for giving us days and ways to connect with Him. The blessing is also said on “new” occasions, such as the first time doing something or the start of a new year.
On the first night of Passover, it is customary to light all the candles and then decrease the number by one each night, lighting all of them again on the final night. This tradition is observed by some Jewish families, including those from Berlin who identify as "enlightened" or "Progressive" Jews. However, there is no official blessing or bracha associated with this candle-lighting ritual on Passover.
The Shehecheyanu blessing is not recited when lighting the candles on the last days of Passover. This is because Acharon Shel Pesach, or the last days of Passover, are not considered a separate Yom Tov in their own right. Therefore, the blessing is omitted during candle lighting on these days.
It is important to note that the customs and rituals associated with Passover and other Jewish holidays may vary among different Jewish communities and individuals. While some may follow specific traditions, others may adapt or interpret them differently based on their own beliefs and practices.
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A seven-day candle or a long-lasting yahrtzeit-style candle is lit before Shabbat
When Passover falls on a Saturday night, there are some adjustments to the usual customs. This is because you are moving from Shabbat into Yom Tov, a holy day, and so you need to make a havdalah, marking the separation from one holy time period to another. This means that your seder will likely begin once Shabbat is over, and you will need to light candles before the seder begins but after Shabbat has ended.
To prepare for this, it is recommended to light a seven-day candle or a long-lasting yahrtzeit-style candle before Shabbat. This is so that you can transfer the flame from that candle after Shabbat, as it is forbidden to create a flame on a holy day. The candle is lit on Friday afternoon, 18 minutes before sunset, and if it is not lit before sunset, it may be lit afterwards. This is a practical solution to the issue of wanting to eat challah in honour of Shabbat, while also needing to dispose of hametz before Passover begins.
The candle is lit after the sun has set on Friday, and it is recommended to recite HaMotzi (the blessing over bread) over two full pieces of Kasher l’Pesah egg matzah, instead of challah. This is because, while one is technically allowed to consume hametz until mid-morning on Shabbat, it is recommended to choose another option, as the declaration nullifying hametz must take place before.
The seven-day candle or yahrtzeit-style candle is a practical solution to the issue of transferring from Shabbat into Yom Tov, and it allows for the correct observance of both holy periods. It is an important part of the preparation for Passover, and ensures that the transition from Shabbat is smooth and respectful.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles should be lit on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset. However, if the candles are not lit before sunset, they may still be lit afterwards.
It is the Jewish women and girls who are granted the privilege and responsibility of lighting the candles for Passover.
Holiday candles should be lit from a pre-existing flame, such as a candle that was kindled before the holiday, a pilot light, or a gas stove that was left on.
No, it is forbidden to create a flame on a holiday. Candles should be lit from a pre-existing flame.
