Tyler Brooks
Shabbat is a special time in the Jewish faith, and candle-lighting is a sacred ritual that marks the onset of Shabbat. The candles are lit at sunset on Friday evening, and it is considered a desecration of Shabbat if they are lit after sunset. The exact time varies depending on your location, but it is generally accepted that candles should be lit 18 minutes before sunset. For example, in Los Angeles, the candle lighting time for Friday, June 27, 2025, was 7:50 pm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, June 27, 2025 |
| Location | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Time | 7:50 pm |
| Sunset | After sunset |
| Time Before Lighting Candles | 18 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Shabbat candles must be lit before sunset
The lighting of Shabbat candles marks the beginning of Shabbat, which starts at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. It is important to note that Shabbat candles must be lit before sunset. Lighting candles after sunset is considered a desecration of Shabbat.
The ideal time to light Shabbat candles is approximately 18 minutes before sunset. This allows for enough time to perform the time-bound mitzvah at the designated time. It is recommended to not wait until the last minute.
The specific time for candle lighting can vary slightly depending on your location. For example, in Los Angeles, the candle lighting time for a particular Friday may be 7:50 p.m. However, it is important to check the accurate times for your specific location, as these times can vary.
Lighting the Shabbat candles is a meaningful tradition that holds spiritual significance for Jews around the world. After lighting the candles, individuals typically cover their eyes and recite a blessing. This practice is an integral part of welcoming the Shabbat and enhancing the experience of the day of rest.
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Candle lighting times are 18 minutes before sunset
The lighting of candles is a traditional sign of the onset of Shabbat, which begins at sunset on Friday. It is considered a desecration of Shabbat to light candles after sunset. Therefore, candle lighting times are listed as 18 minutes before sunset.
For example, in Los Angeles, California, the candle lighting time for Friday, June 27, was 7:50 pm. However, it is recommended to allow enough time to perform this time-bound mitzvah and not wait until the last minute.
The lighting of Shabbat candles is a meaningful and spiritual practice. After lighting the candles, it is customary to cover one's eyes and recite a blessing. The specific blessing varies depending on the occasion and location.
Knowing the accurate candle lighting times for specific locations can be found through various online resources and iCal files. These sources provide detailed information on candle lighting times for cities worldwide, ensuring that individuals can perform this ritual at the designated time.
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Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday
The lighting of candles marks the beginning of Shabbat at sundown on Friday. It is a time-bound mitzvah, a traditional sign of the onset of Shabbat, and it is important to light the candles before sunset. In fact, it is considered a desecration of Shabbat to light the candles after sunset. The candle-lighting time is typically 18 minutes before sundown, and it is customary to cover one's eyes and recite a blessing after lighting the candles.
For example, in Los Angeles, California, the candle lighting time for Friday, June 27, was 7:50 p.m. However, these times can vary depending on location and date. To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to check the specific candle-lighting times for one's location, as they are subject to change each week.
Shabbat candle lighting holds significant meaning and spirituality within the Jewish faith. The act of lighting the candles is often accompanied by specific blessings and readings, enhancing the overall Shabbat experience. This practice is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is observed by Jewish communities worldwide.
Preparing for Shabbat candle lighting in advance is essential. It is advisable to allow ample time to perform the ritual and not wait until the last minute. By being proactive, individuals can fully engage in the meaningful traditions and customs associated with Shabbat candle lighting, fostering a sense of connection to their faith and community.
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The blessings said after lighting the candles
> בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ ָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ
Transliterated, this is:
> Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tav veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nehr shehl shah-baht koh-dehsh
And translated into English:
> Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of time and space. You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to kindle the lights of Shabbat.
The reason that the blessing is said after the candles are lit is that, once the blessing is recited, Shabbat has been ushered in, and lighting the candle would be forbidden. To avoid "benefiting" from the light of the candles before the blessing is said, it is customary to cover one's eyes immediately after lighting the candles.
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The meaning and spirituality of lighting Shabbat candles
The lighting of Shabbat candles is a sacred ritual that holds deep meaning and spirituality for Jews worldwide. This tradition, steeped in history, is a powerful symbol of the spiritual light that Shabbat brings into their lives. The act of lighting the candles symbolises the kindling of light in one's inner being, bringing a sense of peace and connection to Judaism's wholesome values.
The ritual involves lighting a minimum of two candles, with each candle holding a profound significance. The first candle represents "zachor" or "remember the Sabbath day" from Exodus 20:8, while the second candle stands for "shamor" or "observe the Sabbath day" from Deuteronomy 5:12. This duality underscores the two major themes of Shabbat: creation and revelation. However, some households choose to light more candles, often one for each family member, symbolising unity and the illumination of each individual soul.
The timing of candle lighting is crucial. Shabbat candles must be lit before sunset, ideally within an 18-minute window before sundown on Friday, marking the beginning of Shabbat. This timing sets a barrier in time, ensuring that the candles are lit before the onset of Shabbat, as kindling a flame during Shabbat is prohibited. The act of lighting the candles, therefore, becomes a sacred act in itself, a way to sanctify the Shabbat and prepare for a period of rest and reflection.
The lighting of Shabbat candles is often accompanied by blessings and personal meditations. Individuals may cover their eyes after lighting the candles to recite a blessing, expressing gratitude for the peace and spiritual nourishment that Shabbat brings. This ritual moment is an opportunity for introspection, a time to redirect one's energies towards the treasures held dear in life. The flickering flames of the Shabbat candles serve as a reminder of the enduring light of God's presence and the eternal nature of Jewish traditions.
The simplicity and aesthetic power of this ritual have the potential to transform individuals, inviting them to embark on a journey back to their Jewish roots. The Shabbat candles illuminate not only the physical space but also the spiritual dimension, creating an atmosphere of harmony and peace that extends beyond the material realm. This ritual is a testament to the enduring nature of Jewish traditions and the ability to find spiritual solace in the warmth of candlelight.
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Frequently asked questions
Shabbat candles must be lit before sunset on Friday evening. The lighting of candles as the sun sets is the traditional sign of the onset of Shabbat.
The lighting of Shabbat candles occurs 18 minutes before sundown.
After lighting the candles, it is customary to cover your eyes and recite a blessing.
