When to Light the Shabbat Candles: A Quick Guide: 1 Minute to Understanding Shabbat Candle Lighting

Lighting the Shabbat candles is a cherished Jewish tradition that marks the beginning of Shabbat each Friday evening. Typically, the candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset—timing that ensures the act is completed before Shabbat officially starts. The exact time varies by location and season, so many people rely on Jewish calendars or websites to confirm the recommended lighting time for their city each week. The person lighting covers their eyes and recites the blessing, ushering in a period of peace and rest. Families often designate a consistent area—usually the dining table or a sideboard—for this ritual, making it central to the Shabbat experience.

Tips 1:

As an interior designer, I encourage creating a dedicated, beautiful candle-lighting station. Consider using elegant candle holders and ensuring proper lighting and placement, enhancing the ritual's significance and integrating it harmoniously with your overall interior design scheme. Thoughtful placement not only elevates the aesthetic but also respects the functional and spiritual aspects of this meaningful tradition.

FAQ

Q: What is the exact time to light Shabbat candles?

A: Traditionally, Shabbat candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday. Always check a reliable Jewish calendar for your local time.

Q: Who lights the Shabbat candles?

A: Usually, a woman in the household lights the candles, but any Jewish adult may fulfill this mitzvah.

Q: How many candles should be lit?

A: At least two candles are lit, representing “remember” and “observe” the Shabbat, but some light extra candles—one for each child, for example.

Q: What do you say while lighting the Shabbat candles?

A: The blessing recited is “Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.”

Q: Can you light Shabbat candles after sunset?

A: No, Shabbat candles must be lit before sunset as lighting is one of the prohibited activities on Shabbat.