Lighting the Shabbat candles: when, how, and the blessing
In short
Shabbat is brought in by the lighting of the candles, a little before sunset on Friday (often about eighteen minutes before, according to the local calendar). The widespread custom is to light two candles, then to say the blessing. Once the sun has set, one no longer kindles. On the exact order of the steps, follow your community's custom; on particular cases, ask your rav.
At a glance
| Question | The widespread practice |
|---|---|
| When | A little before sunset on Friday (often ~18 min before) |
| After sunset | One no longer kindles |
| How many candles | Two (some add a candle for each child) |
| Who kindles | The household; the woman of the house first, or whoever lives alone |
| The blessing | lehadlik ner shel Shabbat |
| The exact order of the steps | Varies from community to community: follow your own custom |
An overview: the precise time and the particular cases are settled with your calendar and your rav.
When to light
The candles are lit on Friday, a little before sunset: this is the act that brings Shabbat into the house. The exact time changes every week and from city to city; your community's calendar gives it (it is often noted as "about eighteen minutes before sunset," and more in Jerusalem). One important point: once the sun has set, one no longer kindles. Better to light a little early than too late.
How many, and who kindles
The most widespread custom is to light two candles, echoing the two words with which the Torah speaks of Shabbat: "Remember" and "Observe." Some families add a candle for each child. The mitzvah falls to the household: the woman of the house is the first to fulfill it, and anyone who lives alone kindles for themselves. Where several people kindle, each follows the custom of their own home.
The blessing
The kindling is accompanied by the blessing. The exact order (blessing just before or just after kindling) varies from community to community: this is not a detail to settle on your own, one follows the custom received at home. By the widespread practice, the one who kindles accepts Shabbat by that kindling.
The text of the blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת
Baruch ata Hashem, Eloke-nu melech haolam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Shabbat.
Many people, after the blessing, take a moment for a word of their own, a thought for those they love: the custom allows it, and many hold it dear.
Why light
The light of the candles brings peace to the home and the sweetness of the day: a house lit up as Shabbat comes in, where everyone gathers around the table. This is not a technical act, it is what sets the tone of the evening.
Frequently asked questions
What if I light too late, after sunset? One no longer kindles once the sun has set. If you find yourself unsure about the time, better to light a little early; if a mistake happens, speak to your rav about it.
Should the blessing come before or after kindling? Customs differ from community to community. Follow the one of your family or your community, without deciding on your own.
Can electric candles or a timer be used? That is a real question, and opinions are divided depending on the situation (travel, hospital, safety). Do not settle it in advance: ask your rav.
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Sources: this guide draws on the classical sources of Jewish law. It gives a general orientation, never a ruling that takes the place of your rav's. On any concrete case, ask your rav.
