Brooke Martin
The lighting of candles is a practice observed in many cultures and religions, often symbolizing remembrance, prayer, and inner stillness. In Judaism, candle-lighting holds significant meaning and is incorporated into various rituals and traditions, such as Shabbat, Yahrzeit, and Yizkor. The warm glow of a candle can create a sense of peace and connection, offering individuals a chance to slow down, reflect, and honor the memories of loved ones who have passed away. Whether it be through the kindling of Shabbat candles by young girls or the illumination of Yahrzeit candles in remembrance, the act of lighting candles serves as a reminder of the light that persists even in life's darkest moments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Creating a romantic atmosphere, illuminating a room, decorating a table, celebrating a birthday, marking a shrine, indicating a pub is open and serving, etc. |
| Candle Type | Scented, luminaria, candle jar, etc. |
| Candle Maintenance | Trim the wick to 1/4 inch, remove debris from the wax pool, store in a cool, dark, dry place, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Candles in Judaism
Candles are an integral part of the Jewish religion, with their use in rituals stretching back to ancient times. The lighting of candles is a sacred act, imbued with deep symbolism and meaning.
One of the most well-known candle-lighting traditions in Judaism is the kindling of the Hanukkah menorah, also known as the hanukkiah. This nine-branched candelabrum is lit during the eight-day festival of Hanukkah, with each night one more candle being lit until the final night when all eight branches are illuminated. The ninth branch holds the shamash, or "helper" candle, used to light the others. The menorah symbolises the miracle of the oil that occurred during the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, and its lighting is a widely celebrated tradition, even making its way to the White House in 1993.
Another important use of candles in Judaism is during Shabbat. The lighting of Shabbat candles on Friday evening marks the beginning of the Shabbat, with the tranquil, even flame symbolising the transition from the profane to the sacred. The Talmud records that this act is a mitzvah, or commandment, and it is forbidden to use these candles for any practical purpose.
Candles are also lit during memorial services and to honour the dead. The Yahrzeit candle, for example, is lit for a full 24 hours starting at sundown on the anniversary of a loved one's death. This tradition is also observed on four annual Jewish holidays: Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover, and Shavuot. The candle is believed to symbolise the soul of the departed, serving as a reminder that their memory still burns bright.
The use of candles in Judaism extends beyond practical illumination; it is a symbolic act that represents the soul, divinity, and the transition from the profane to the sacred. Whether it is during festivals, rituals, or mourning, the lighting of candles holds profound significance in Jewish culture and theology.
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Yahrzeit and Yizkor customs
The ritual of lighting candles is a significant part of Jewish customs and traditions. The Yahrzeit candle, also known as the memorial candle, is lit in memory of the dead in Judaism. The word "Yahrzeit" means "anniversary" or "time of the year" in Yiddish and originates from the German words "Jahr" (year) and "Zeit" (time). The custom of lighting a Yahrzeit candle comes from the Book of Proverbs 20:27, "The soul of man is a candle of the Lord".
The Yahrzeit candle is different from the Shiva candle, which is lit immediately following the passing of a loved one and burns for seven days. The Yahrzeit candle is lit on the anniversary of the death of a loved one, starting at sundown and burning for 24 hours. It is customary to light the Yahrzeit candle at sundown on the Hebrew anniversary, as Jewish days begin at sundown rather than midnight. The candle is left to extinguish on its own, and family and friends can share anecdotes and reflect on the person who has passed.
The Yahrzeit candle is also lit on four annual Jewish holidays that include a Yizkor or Jewish memorial service: Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover, and Shavuot. Yizkor means "remember," and during these holidays, the memorial service is recited. The Yahrzeit candle is lit before the fast beginning on Yom Kippur and before sunset on the other holidays.
While customs vary, it is widely accepted to light a candle during Shiva (the seven days of mourning) and on the Yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing). Some also light candles for the entire year following the passing or whenever Yizkor is said in the synagogue. For Yizkor, there are different customs, and some do not generally light a candle. For those who do, the custom is to light one candle for all departed souls rather than one for each individual.
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Shabbat candle-lighting times
The lighting of candles as the sun sets on Friday marks the beginning of Shabbat. The exact time for lighting Shabbat candles is approximately 18 minutes before sunset, though this can vary by minutes from week to week. After lighting the candles, it is customary to cover one's eyes and recite a blessing.
The phrase "he lit candles" is more commonly used in modern English, though "he lighted candles" is also correct. Both phrases convey the same meaning of someone setting candles on fire.
- For Shabbat on September 27, candle lighting took place at 6:25 pm.
- In a fictional example, Jacob lit some candles and started digging.
- Another example mentions lighting candles and reading a passage from the Bible.
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Blessing rituals
Jewish Shabbat Blessings
The lighting of candles is a significant part of the Jewish Shabbat, which begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. In Jewish homes, it is customary for girls and women to light the Shabbat candles before reciting a blessing. The blessing is often said while shielding the eyes from the candle's flame:
> "Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'zivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat."
> "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."
On holidays, the timing of candle lighting may vary. For example, when a holiday follows Shabbat, the candles are lit after nightfall.
Christian Blessings
In Christian traditions, the blessing of candles is often associated with rituals such as the Mass or processions. Here is an example of a prayer used to bless candles during a Christian ritual:
> "O God, source and origin of all light, who on this day showed to the just man Simeon the Light for revelation to the Gentiles, we humbly ask that, in answer to your people's prayers, you may be pleased to sanctify with your blessing these candles, which we are eager to carry in praise of your name, so that, treading the path of virtue, we may reach that light which never fails."
Additionally, in the Anglican tradition, individuals may bless their own candles at home by saying a prayer aloud or silently while lighting the candle.
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Candles for prayer
Lighting candles for prayer is a common practice in many religions and spiritual traditions. It is believed that the glow of a candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life, and the flame represents hope, faith, and the divine presence.
There are various types of prayer candles available, including devotional, votive, and memorial candles. Devotional candles are often used in religious ceremonies and are dedicated to a specific saint or deity. They are usually made of beeswax or paraffin wax and are long-burning. Votive candles are smaller and are typically used for personal prayers or intentions. Memorial candles are lit to honour the memory of a deceased loved one and are often used in vigils and remembrance services.
When lighting a candle for prayer, it is important to set an intention or dedication. This can be done by saying a prayer or affirmation aloud or in one's mind. The candle can then be lit with a match or a lighter, and the flame can be gazed at to help focus one's attention and deepen one's connection to the present moment.
The practice of lighting candles for prayer can be a powerful way to enhance one's spiritual life and bring a sense of peace and serenity. It is a way to connect with something greater than oneself and to find comfort and guidance in the light of the flame. Whether in a place of worship or at home, the simple act of lighting a candle can be a meaningful addition to one's prayer or meditation practice.
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Frequently asked questions
Both are correct, but "he lit candles" is more commonly used in modern English.
Store candles in a cool, dark, and dry place with the lid on to keep them clean of dust and debris.
Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch and remove any debris left in the wax pool, such as wick trimmings or matches.
Candles should burn for one hour for every 1 inch in diameter of the actual candle size. For example, a candle that is 2 inches across should burn for 2 hours.
"Lit" can be used as a past tense verb, a past participle, and to mean drunk. "Lighted" can be used as a past tense verb and a past participle.
