Tyler Brooks
The lighting of candles is an important part of the Jewish celebration of Passover. The candles are lit by women and girls, who are responsible for bringing the light of the holiday into their homes. The candles are lit from an existing flame, and blessings are recited before lighting them. The timing of candle lighting varies depending on the day of the festival. For example, on the second night of Passover, candles are lit after the appearance of three stars, while on the sixth day, they are lit 18 minutes before sunset. When Passover begins on a Saturday night, there are adjustments to the schedule, including lighting a candle before Shabbat that will last until Passover begins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to light the candles | On the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset |
| Who should light the candles | Jewish women and girls |
| What to do if candles are not lit before sunset | They may be lit afterward, but they must be lit from an existing flame |
| When the 14th of Nissan falls on the Sabbath | Candlelighting is delayed until the appearance of three stars |
| What to recite before lighting the candles | "Boruch hamavdil beyn kodesh likodesh" (Blessed is He who distinguishes between the holy and the holy) |
| Blessings to recite before lighting candles | "Boruch Atah A-donai E-loheinu Melech haolam asher kideshanu bimitzvosav vitzibanu lihadlik ner shel yom tov" and "Boruch Atah A-donai E-loheinu Melech haolam shehecheyanu vikiemanu vihigiyanu lizman hazeh" |
| Translation of the blessings | "Blessed are You, G‑d, our L‑rd, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the festival lights" and "Blessed are You, G‑d, our L‑rd, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion" |
| When to light candles on the second night of Pesach | After the appearance of three stars, using an existing flame |
| When Pesach falls on a weekday | Light the candles after or as soon as it gets dark |
| What to do if Pesach falls on Shabbat | Light the candles before Shabbat begins, and recite the blessing "to kindle the lights of Shabbat and of the Festival" |
| When to light candles on the sixth day of Pesach | 18 minutes before sunset |
| When Pesach lasts eight days | On the eighth day, light candles after the appearance of three stars, using an existing flame |
| When to light Yom Tov candles | Before Shabbat, light a candle that will last until Passover begins on Saturday night |
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What You'll Learn
- Candles are lit by women and girls, who usher in the light of the holiday
- The candles are lit on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset
- If candles aren't lit before sunset, they can be lit after from an existing flame
- Blessings are recited before lighting, such as Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe
- On the second night of Passover, candles are lit after the appearance of three stars
Candles are lit by women and girls, who usher in the light of the holiday
In Jewish tradition, it is customary for women and girls to light the candles that usher in the light of the Passover holiday. This ritual symbolises the start of the sacred period and is typically performed by the woman of the house. The candle-lighting ceremony takes place on the afternoon of the sixth day of Passover, specifically 18 minutes before sunset. If the candles are not lit before sunset, they may still be lit afterward, but an existing flame must be used. Striking a match is forbidden during Passover.
On the second night of Passover, the candles are lit after the appearance of three stars in the night sky. This timing is also observed when the 14th of Nissan, the month of Passover, falls on the Sabbath. Before lighting the candles, the women recite a blessing: "Blessed is He who distinguishes between the holy and the holy". This blessing acknowledges the sanctity of the holiday and the transition from the everyday to the sacred.
The candlelighting ceremony involves lighting two Yom Tov candles, which are kindled from an existing flame. This existing flame may come from a long-lasting candle lit before Shabbat or from a source such as a gas stove. The use of an existing flame symbolises the continuity and connection between the past and the future. The candles are typically left burning throughout the duration of Passover.
The lighting of the candles is a sacred act, and the women performing it follow specific rituals and blessings. They recite the blessing "to kindle the lights of the Festival" and the Shehecheyanu blessing: "Blessed are You, G‑d, our L‑rd, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion". These blessings express gratitude for life and the opportunity to celebrate the festival.
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The candles are lit on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset
The Jewish holiday of Passover, or Pesach, involves a number of rituals and traditions, including the lighting of candles. The timing of this candle lighting is an important part of the ritual, and it is customary to light the candles on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset. This timing is considered significant in the Jewish faith and is observed by Jewish women and girls, who are responsible for ushering the light of the holiday into their homes.
The 14th of Nissan is an important date in the Jewish calendar, marking the beginning of Passover. The lighting of candles 18 minutes before sunset is a traditional way to usher in the holiday and is seen as a privilege and a responsibility for Jewish women and girls. This timing is considered ideal, but if the candles are not lit before sunset, Jewish law allows for them to be lit afterward. However, in such cases, it is important to note that the candles must be lit from an existing flame, as it is forbidden to strike a match on the holiday.
The candle lighting ceremony is often accompanied by special blessings and prayers. Before lighting the candles, the women may recite the phrase "Boruch hamavdil beyn kodesh likodesh," which translates to "Blessed is He who distinguishes between the holy and the holy." This phrase acknowledges the transition from the everyday to the sacred time of Passover. The lighting of the candles symbolises the sacred nature of the holiday and is an important part of the Passover tradition.
In addition to the timing of the candle lighting, the type of candle and the source of the flame are also significant. The candles used for Passover are typically Yom Tov candles, which are lit from an existing flame. This existing flame may come from a long-lasting candle that was lit before the start of Passover or from another source of fire, such as a gas stove. The use of an existing flame symbolises the continuity and connection between the everyday and the sacred time of Passover.
The candle lighting ceremony on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset, is a significant and meaningful tradition in the Jewish faith. It is a way to honour the beginning of Passover and to usher in the holiday with light and blessings. By participating in this ritual, Jewish women and girls play an important role in their homes and communities, creating a sacred atmosphere and marking the transition to a time of celebration and remembrance.
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If candles aren't lit before sunset, they can be lit after from an existing flame
The lighting of candles is a significant part of the Jewish celebration of Passover. It is customary to light Yom Tov candles, and the blessing recited ends with the words "l'hadlik ner shel yom tov", marking the beginning of the holiday.
Ideally, the holiday candles should be lit on the afternoon of the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset. This timing is considered important, although it is acceptable to light the candles within that 18-minute window, even if it is close to sunset. This custom is similar to the practice of lighting candles on the Sabbath, or Shabbat, where candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset.
However, if the candles are not lit before sunset, they can still be lit after sunset. In such cases, it is important to note that the candles must be lit from an existing flame. This is because it is forbidden to strike a match or create a new flame on the holiday. This practice is outlined in the Mishneh Torah, Shevitat Yom Tov 4:1. The existing flame can be from a memorial candle or a gas stove that was lit before the start of the holiday.
When Passover begins on a Saturday night, the schedule of preparation shifts, and there are adjustments to the candle-lighting custom. In this case, a long-lasting candle is lit before Shabbat, and the flame is then transferred to the Yom Tov candles after Shabbat, but before the seder begins. This is done to adhere to the rule that no new flame should be created between sunset and nightfall when Passover begins.
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Blessings are recited before lighting, such as Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe
The Jewish prayer "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe" is a common way to begin prayer and give blessings. This prayer is often used in combination with other blessings and prayers, such as before sleeping:
> Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings sleep to my eyelids. May it be Your will, Lord my God and God of my ancestors, that I may lie down in peace and that I may arise in peace. Let my sleep be undisturbed by troubling thoughts, bad dreams, and wicked schemes. May I have a night of tranquil slumber. May I waken to the light of a new day, that my eyes may behold the splendor of Your Light. Praise are You, Lord, whose glory gives light to the entire world. Amen.
The prayer is also used in the morning, as a way of giving thanks for being alive:
> Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has given “to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…”
The prayer is also used in the Catholic Mass at the offertory:
> Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth, and work of human hands, it will become the Bread of Life.
> Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer You: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
The prayer is also used during Passover, when the Yom Tov candles are lit:
> After you have said kiddush, recite the blessing marking the end of Shabbat. This blessing ends with “borei m’orei ha’esh.”
The prayer is also used to give thanks for the conclusion of studying rabbinic literature, allowing those who are firstborn children to break their fast.
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On the second night of Passover, candles are lit after the appearance of three stars
The Jewish holiday of Passover, or Pesach, involves a number of rituals and customs, including the lighting of candles. The timing of candle lighting during Passover is significant and varies depending on the day.
On the second night of Passover, also known as Pesach, the candles are typically lit after the appearance of three stars in the sky. This custom is similar to the tradition of marking the end of Shabbat, or the Sabbath, when three stars appear. The lighting of candles on this night of Passover symbolises the ushering in of the holiday, and it is considered a privilege and responsibility for Jewish women and girls to perform this act.
The appearance of three stars in the sky is significant in Jewish tradition, marking the end of the holy day and the beginning of a new week or a new holy time. This custom is observed not only during Passover but also on other occasions, such as the end of Shabbat.
The candle-lighting ceremony on the second night of Passover is a special moment, and the candles are lit from an existing flame. This is an important detail to note, as it is forbidden to strike a match on the holiday itself. The women or girls performing the candle-lighting ritual may recite a phrase such as "Boruch hamavdil beyn kodesh likodesh" ("Blessed is He who distinguishes between the holy and the holy") before lighting the candles.
The lighting of candles during Passover is a meaningful tradition that helps to create a sense of holiness and celebration. It is one of the many rituals observed during the holiday, each with its own symbolic significance and contribution to the overall Passover experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are lit at the beginning of Passover, which falls on the 14th of Nissan, 18 minutes before sunset.
If candles are not lit before sunset, they may be lit afterwards, but they must be lit from an existing flame. It is forbidden to strike a match on Passover.
The following blessings are recited:
- "Boruch Atah A-donai E-loheinu Melech haolam asher kideshanu bimitzvosav vitzibanu lihadlik ner shel yom tov."
- "Boruch Atah A-donai E-loheinu Melech haolam shehecheyanu vikiemanu vihigiyanu lizman hazeh."
Jewish women and girls are responsible for lighting the candles and bringing the light of the holiday into their homes.
The candles symbolise the sacred relationship with the holy, connecting the past with the future.
