Tyler Brooks
Shabbat candles are lit on Friday evenings before sunset to usher in the Jewish Sabbath. The lighting of the candles is traditionally done by the woman of the household, but every Jew is obligated to either light or ensure that candles are lit on their behalf. The candles are lit to dignify the Sabbath and to create an appropriate environment for the Sabbath meal. The Talmud states that one who regularly kindles Shabbat lights will be rewarded with children who are Torah scholars. The custom of lighting two candles is said to represent the two commandments to 'remember' and 'observe' Shabbat.
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What You'll Learn
- The two candles symbolize the division between light and darkness
- They represent the two commandments to 'remember' and 'observe' Shabbat
- The candles are lit to dignify the Sabbath
- They are lit to ward off evil spirits, demons, and all that come from Lilith
- The Talmud states that lighting Shabbat candles brings the light of Torah
The two candles symbolize the division between light and darkness
The Shabbat is ushered in every Friday night with the lighting of two candles, marking the division between light and darkness. This ritual is steeped in symbolism, with the candles representing the two commandments to 'remember' and 'observe' Shabbat. This interpretation draws from the Torah, specifically Exodus 20:8 and Deuteronomy 5:12. The act of lighting the candles is a way to sanctify the Shabbat and imbue homes with a touch of eternity.
The lighting of the two Shabbat candles is a rabbinically mandated law, and it is traditionally the responsibility of the woman of the household. However, every Jew is obligated to either light the candles or ensure that they are lit on their behalf. The candles are typically lit during an 18-minute window before sundown on Friday, marking the official start of Shabbat.
The number two holds significance in the context of Shabbat, corresponding to the two forms of the mitzvah of Shabbat. Additionally, some interpret the two candles as representing the two major themes of Shabbat: creation and revelation. The concept of light is integral to the Shabbat ritual, as it symbolises peace, harmony, and shalom, which translates to "well-being" or "wholeness".
While the traditional practice is to light two candles, some families light additional candles, often one for each member of the household. The Talmud even suggests that lighting Shabbat candles can lead to blessings such as having children who are Torah scholars. The lighting of the candles is a meaningful moment for reflection, gratitude, and connection with loved ones.
The Shabbat candles are typically allowed to burn for at least two to three hours, and it is customary to use white candles. The lighting of these candles is a transformative act that adds beauty and holiness to the Shabbat celebration, creating a peaceful and dignified atmosphere.
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They represent the two commandments to 'remember' and 'observe' Shabbat
Shabbat candles are lit on Friday evenings before sunset to usher in the Jewish Sabbath. The lighting of two Shabbat candles represents the two commandments to remember and observe Shabbat. This is based on the commandments in the Torah, which state "Zachor (remember) the Sabbath" in Exodus 20:8 and "Shamor (keep) the Sabbath" in Deuteronomy 5:12.
The custom of lighting Shabbat candles is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and holds significant symbolic value. The act of lighting the candles is not merely a ritual but carries a deeper meaning. By lighting the candles, Jews commemorate the two dimensions of the Shabbat commandment, emphasising the equal importance of both remembering and observing the Sabbath.
The lighting of the candles symbolises the sanctity of Shabbat, bringing light and peace into their homes and lives. The physical act of lighting the candles is a way to honour the Sabbath and create a delightful atmosphere. The warm glow of the candles not only illuminates the space but also serves as a reminder of the spiritual light and harmony that Shabbat brings.
Additionally, the number two holds significance in the context of Shabbat. Beyond representing the two commandments, it also symbolises the two major themes of Shabbat: creation and revelation. This interpretation underscores the belief that Shabbat is a day of illumination and spiritual enlightenment.
The Shabbat candles are typically lit by the woman of the household, although in modern egalitarian families, any adult or the family together may perform this ritual. The candles are usually white and must burn for at least two to three hours, transforming the mundane space of their homes into a sacred and peaceful sanctuary.
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The candles are lit to dignify the Sabbath
The Shabbat candles are lit to dignify and sanctify the Sabbath. The Sabbath is ushered in every Friday evening at sundown with the lighting of two Shabbat candles, referred to in Yiddish as licht bentschen ("light-blessing") or licht tsinden ("light-kindling"). The candles are lit during an 18-minute window before sundown, although some cities have a larger window for candle-lighting, such as Jerusalem, where candle-lighting begins 40 minutes before sundown.
The lighting of two candles is a universally accepted custom, although the minimum mitzvah is to kindle one light. The two candles are said to represent the two instances of the commandment of keeping Shabbat given in the Torah: "Zachor (remember) the Sabbath" in Exodus 20:8 and "Shamor (keep) the Sabbath" in Deuteronomy 5:5:12. The number two may also underlie the two major themes of Shabbat: creation and revelation.
The candles are lit to create a bright and cheery ambiance, ensuring that the evening is not spent stumbling around in the dark. The Torah enjoins us to "honor the Shabbat and call it a delight," and candles are a part of this "delight." The mystics explain that Shabbat brings illumination to our world, which often seems dark and negative. The candles are a metaphor for the Torah and the human soul. According to Rashi's commentary on the Talmud, the Shabbat candles should be lit in the place where we dine, as "a meal is of no account where there is no light."
The candles are typically lit by the woman of the household, although in contemporary egalitarian families, any adult in the house may light the candles. The candles must be lit before the official starting time of Shabbat, and they must burn at least until the blessing over bread is recited.
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They are lit to ward off evil spirits, demons, and all that come from Lilith
The lighting of Shabbat candles is a sacred Jewish ritual that holds great significance. The candles are lit on Friday evenings, ushering in the Jewish Sabbath. The practice involves lighting at least two candles, with each candle holding a unique symbolic meaning. One of the candles symbolizes "Zachor" or "Remember the Sabbath day" from Exodus 20:8, while the other candle symbolizes "Shamor" or "Observe the Sabbath day" from Deuteronomy 5:12. These two verses appear in the two iterations of the Ten Commandments in the Torah.
Beyond their symbolic representation of the commandments, the Shabbat candles are also believed to possess a deeper spiritual significance. According to a Yiddish prayer, the candles are lit to "burn bright and clear to drive away the evil spirits, demons, and all that come from Lilith." Lilith, in Jewish folklore, is a figure often associated with darkness and evil. By lighting the candles, the intention is to ward off any malevolent forces and create an atmosphere of peace and sanctity. This belief underscores the protective nature of the ritual, providing a sense of spiritual security to those observing the tradition.
The act of lighting the candles serves as a powerful symbol of transformation and the triumph of light over darkness. In a broader sense, the candles represent the illumination of knowledge, spirituality, and the values of Judaism. They bring light to the darkness, both literally and metaphorically, creating a warm and peaceful environment in homes and communities. This ritual holds a special place in Jewish culture, connecting individuals to their faith and fostering a sense of unity and holiness.
The number of candles lit can vary, with some families choosing to light additional candles for each member of the household. While the woman of the household traditionally performs the candle-lighting, contemporary egalitarian families may assign this duty to any adult or even perform it together as a family. The Shabbat candles are more than just a symbolic act; they represent a deep-rooted tradition that adds beauty, warmth, and spiritual meaning to the observance of the Sabbath.
The lighting of the Shabbat candles is a sacred obligation for Jews, and it holds a significant place in their religious and cultural practices. By lighting the candles, they are not only fulfilling a rabbinically mandated law but also invoking a sense of holiness and protection. This ritual has endured through the ages, adapting to modern times while preserving its core purpose of driving away evil and welcoming the peace and sanctity of the Shabbat.
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The Talmud states that lighting Shabbat candles brings the light of Torah
Shabbat is ushered in every Friday night with the lighting of two Sabbath candles, referred to in Yiddish as licht bentschen. The Talmud states that lighting Shabbat candles brings the light of Torah. Shabbat candles are usually kindled by lighting wax candles or wicks floating in oil. The universally accepted custom is to kindle two lights, thus hinting at both dimensions of shamor and zachor. The commandment of lighting Shabbat candles is first mentioned when God gives the Ten Commandments and tells us to remember (zachor) and safeguard (shamor) Shabbat.
The Talmud contends again from scriptural evidence that in Solomon’s Temple, the windows of the building were wide on the inside and narrow on the outside, suggesting that the holy light of the sanctuary flowed out to grace the world. The true purpose of the menorah, according to the Talmud, was to offer testimony to all humanity that God’s presence resided among the people of Israel. By extension, the metaphoric language of light is also applied to God’s Torah. Basing itself on Psalms 36:10 and 119:105, “Your word (God) is a lamp to my feet, a light for my path,” the midrash depicts the Torah as a light that keeps one from stumbling, an unerring moral compass.
The lighting of candles at the beginning of Shabbat not only graces the evening with a ritual of transcendent beauty but also imbues us with a sense of Judaism’s wholesome values. The Talmud went out of its way to stress that the light of the menorah was for the benefit of the priests and not God. That is why scripture states that the olive oil is intended for Moses and not for God. Similarly, the Talmud points out that the menorah stood at a remove from the table.
The Shabbat candles evolved into an important part of the ritual, and it became forbidden to use them for any practical purpose, including as light to read by. The Talmud records that lighting Shabbat candles is a commandment, but does not record a blessing attached to them. The first recorded instance of a blessing said for lighting the Shabbat candles is found in the Siddur of Rav Amram (9th century).
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Frequently asked questions
The two Shabbat candles symbolize the division between light and darkness, as described in the story of Creation.
The two candles represent the two commandments to "remember" and "observe" Shabbat, as stated in Exodus 20:8 and Deuteronomy 5:12, respectively.
While the prevalent custom is to light at least two candles, some families light additional candles, one for each member of the family.
