Tyler Brooks
Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, during which Jews typically eat a final meal before fasting and lighting candles at home. The candle-lighting ritual is performed by all women and girls, or, if there are no women in the household, the head of the household. Two candles are lit at sunset, and the blessing Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Yom Kippur candles is recited. In addition, a Yahrzeit candle is lit in memory of deceased parents. The candles are typically placed in the room where one sleeps, and they burn for the entire 25 hours of the holiday.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who lights the candles | Women and girls, or if there isn't a woman in the house, the head of the household |
| When to light the candles | At least 18 minutes before sunset, after the last pre-fast meal |
| Blessing | בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל (שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל) יוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים |
| Translation of blessing | Blessed are You, L‑rd, our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to kindle the light of [if Yom Kippur is on Shabbat add: Shabbat and] Yom Kippur |
| Number of candles | Two holiday candles, plus a yahrzheit candle in memory of a deceased parent |
| Duration of burning | The two holiday candles burn for a few hours, while the yahrzheit candle should burn for the entire 25 hours of the holiday |
| Other customs | Candles are also lit in the synagogue, and in the bedroom to discourage marital relations |
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What You'll Learn
Blessing the candles
Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, is a day of reflection and contemplation. It is customary to light candles on this day, and there are several blessings that can accompany this ritual.
Firstly, all women and girls (or, if there are no women in the house, the head of the household) light candles at least 18 minutes before sunset. The blessing that accompanies this is:
> "Blessed are You, L‑rd, our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to kindle the light of [if Yom Kippur is on Shabbat add: Shabbat and] Yom Kippur."
The Hebrew version of this blessing is:
> "בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל (שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל) יוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים · Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm, ah-shehr ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nayr shehl [if Yom Kippur is on Shabbat add: shah-bahtveh-shehl] yohm hah-kee-poo-rim."
If Yom Kippur begins on a Friday evening (Shabbat), the following blessing is said over the candles:
> "Blessed are You, Infinite One, who has sanctified us with actions and honors us to light the Sabbath and holiday lights."
The Hebrew version of this blessing is:
> "בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב · Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat v’ shel Yom Tov."
If Yom Kippur starts on any other night of the week, the blessing is as follows:
> "Praised are You, Adonai, our God, Sovereign of the universe, who, sanctifying us with divine commandments, has commanded us to light the Yom Kippur lamp."
The Hebrew version of this blessing is:
> "בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים. · Barukh attah adonai, eloheinu, melekh ha-olam, asher kidd’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivvanu l’hadlik neir shel yom ha-kippurim."
In addition, a special Yizkor candle is lit just before the formal Yom Kippur candles by those remembering loved ones who have passed away. There is no blessing recited for this candle, although prayer books may include appropriate devotional material to recite beforehand.
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Honouring God
The Significance of Candles
Candles are lit during Yom Kippur to honour God and the synagogue, as expressed in the words: "With lights, honour God." This custom also serves a practical purpose, illuminating the prayer books and spaces for reading and reciting prayers throughout the night. The candlelight symbolises the spiritual theme of forgiveness, the possibility for change, and reflection on the past and future.
The Blessing
The blessing recited over the candles praises and thanks God for sanctifying us with commandments and granting us the opportunity to light the Yom Kippur candles. The traditional blessing is as follows:
> בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל (שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל) יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים · Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm, ah-shehr ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nayr shehl [if Yom Kippur is on Shabbat add: shah-bahtveh-shehl] yohm hah-kee-poo-rim. Blessed are You, L‑rd, our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to kindle the light of [if Yom Kippur is on Shabbat add: Shabbat and] Yom Kippur.
Honouring Deceased Loved Ones
In addition to honouring God, the candle-lighting ritual also serves to commemorate deceased loved ones, especially parents. A special Yahrzeit candle is lit in their memory, symbolising their enduring presence in our lives. This candle burns throughout the entire 25 hours of Yom Kippur, extending beyond the duration of the two holiday candles.
Timing and Preparation
The candles are lit at least 18 minutes before sunset, marking the official start of Yom Kippur and the period of fasting. Prior to this, individuals and families gather for a final meal, ensuring they are fed and prepared for the upcoming fast. The lighting of the candles thus sets the tone for a solemn occasion, encouraging reflection and spiritual contemplation.
Authenticity and Meaning
While traditions and rituals provide a framework for Yom Kippur, individuals are encouraged to find their own authentic and meaningful ways to observe this day. This may include meditation, spending time in nature, visiting calming spaces, or connecting with loved ones. The lighting of candles, however, remains a constant across communities, serving as a reminder of God's light and our ongoing pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
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Honouring the synagogue
In earlier generations, a candle would be lit for both the young and the old. Today, only married men light candles in the synagogue. This candle is called dos lebidikeh licht (the living light) or the dos gezunteh licht (the healthy light) in Yiddish. It should be large enough to burn throughout Yom Kippur.
In addition to the candles lit in the synagogue, there are several other candles lit during Yom Kippur. Firstly, the Yahrzeit candle, which is lit in memory of a deceased parent or parents. This candle should burn for the entire 25 hours of the holiday. Secondly, the holiday candles, which are lit at home before heading to the synagogue for Kol Nidre, a prayer said before sundown. Thirdly, a 24-hour candle is lit before Yom Kippur so that one has a flame that "observed" Yom Kippur, meaning it was lit before the holiday and not adjusted during it. This candle is used for havdalah, a Jewish religious ceremony that involves lighting a candle with braided wicks after Shabbat and major Jewish holidays.
The blessings said over the candles differ depending on the day of the week on which Yom Kippur falls. When it falls on a Friday evening (Shabbat), the blessing is:
> Blessed are You, Infinite One, who has sanctified us with actions and honours us to light the Sabbath and holiday lights. Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat v’ shel Yom Tov.
When it falls on any other day, Shabbat is not referenced in the blessing. The blessing is then:
> Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to light the Yom Kippur candles.
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Atonement for parents
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, when Jews dedicate their minds, bodies, and souls to reconciliation with their fellow human beings, themselves, and God.
The lighting of these candles is accompanied by blessings. The following is recited:
> Blessed are You, L‑rd, our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to kindle the light of [if Yom Kippur is on Shabbat add: Shabbat and] Yom Kippur.
In addition to the lighting of candles, Yom Kippur involves fasting, prayer, and asking for forgiveness. It is considered imperative to repair any harm done to others before or during Yom Kippur. The day is described in prayers as "a day of creating love and brotherhood, a day of abandoning jealousy and strife".
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Avoiding marital relations
The tradition of lighting candles during Yom Kippur is a symbolic and functional practice. One reason for this custom is to provide light for reading prayers and supplications, as well as honouring God and the synagogue. This candle is also used for the post-Yom Kippur havdalah, where the blessing, "Blessed are you, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who creates the lights of fire," is recited while holding a multi-wicked candle.
Now, regarding the aspect of "Avoiding marital relations," there is indeed a connection with the lighting of candles. Traditionally, a candle is lit in the bedroom during Yom Kippur, as mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch. This practice is intended to discourage marital relations during the sacred day of Yom Kippur. By having a light in the bedroom, individuals can see each other, reducing the likelihood of intimate activities that are considered inappropriate during this religious observance.
The reasoning behind this custom is rooted in the belief that seeing one's spouse in the light of the candle creates a suspicion or awareness that may lead to desire. Therefore, leaving the candle lit in the bedroom acts as a reminder and deterrent to maintain distance and refrain from marital relations.
To further ensure avoidance of marital relations, some sources suggest lighting separate candles for different purposes. This could include having a few-hour candle in the bedroom and a 24-hour candle in the living room or another part of the house. This way, the primary purpose of honouring God and providing light for reading can be achieved, while still maintaining the symbolic gesture of discouraging intimate activities in the bedroom.
In summary, the lighting of candles during Yom Kippur serves multiple purposes, one of which is to avoid marital relations. By following these traditions and customs, individuals can focus on the religious and spiritual aspects of Yom Kippur while respecting the sanctity of the day.
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Frequently asked questions
The blessing for Yom Kippur candles is:
> Blessed are You, L‑rd, our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to kindle the light of [if Yom Kippur is on Shabbat add: Shabbat and] Yom Kippur.
If Yom Kippur begins on Friday night, the blessing is:
> Blessed are You, Infinite One, who has sanctified us with actions and honors us to light the Sabbath and holiday lights.
All women and girls light candles before sunset to usher in Yom Kippur. If there are no women in the household, the head of the household lights the candles.
It is traditional to light two holiday candles, just like on Shabbat. Many people also light a yahrzheit candle in memory of a deceased parent.
