Shabbat Candle Blessing: The Full Text and Order of Lighting
Everything you need for the moment of lighting the candles: the text of the blessing with vowels, the order, the time, and the customs.
The moment the candles are lit is the moment the week pauses. Two small flames, and the entire home's atmosphere changes. This page contains everything needed for lighting Shabbat candles: the full blessing with vowels, the step-by-step lighting procedure, the lighting time, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Shabbat Candle Blessing: The Full Text
The blessing over the Shabbat candles is almost identical in all communities:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת. (the blessing appears in its original Hebrew)
Some communities customarily end the blessing with an added phrase: נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ (shown in its original Hebrew).
The order of lighting Shabbat candles, step by step
At the time of lighting, the woman accepts Shabbat upon herself, and therefore, according to the prevailing custom, they light first and then recite the blessing, with their eyes covered. This way, the enjoyment of the candlelight comes immediately after the blessing.
The preparation
Place the candlesticks on a stable surface, away from curtains and flammable objects, and arrange the candles. It is customary to give some coins to charity before lighting.
The lighting
Light all the candles. Place the match gently and let it burn out on its own; do not blow it out.
Eye mask
They cover their eyes with their hands.
The Blessing
We recite the Shabbat candle blessing from the text above.
The gaze and the prayer
Remove your hands and look at the candlelight. Many tend to add a personal prayer for the household members at this moment, and the time of lighting is considered a favorable time.
There are Eastern communities that practice reciting the blessing first and then lighting immediately afterward, as with other commandments. Each household continues its custom.
Shabbat candle lighting time
[Candles] are lit before Shabbat enters, and [we] add from the weekday to the holy day. The common custom in Israel is about 18 minutes before sunset. Some cities have a custom to light earlier, like Haifa with 30 minutes, and in Jerusalem they light 40 minutes before sunset. The exact time varies from place to place and from week to week, and is published in Shabbat time calendars. After sunset, candles are not lit at all.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lighting Shabbat Candles
The common custom is two candles, corresponding to "Remember" and "Observe." Many add a candle for each child in the household, and one who lives alone fulfills the obligation with even one candle.
The commandment applies to the entire household, and the custom is for the woman to light the candles. When there is no woman in the house, the man lights them and recites the same blessing.
Olive oil is considered the most elegant, and wax candles and oil lamps are kosher from the outset and accepted in every home. The main thing is that the candles remain lit throughout the Shabbat meal.
After sunset, do not light under any circumstances. One who forgot to light, it is customary to add an additional candle every Friday evening from that Shabbat.
Candlesticks and candles are allocated on Shabbat, therefore they are placed in advance in the spot where they will remain until Shabbat ends.
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