Laws of Shabbat Candles
Rabbi Aryeh Citron
Parsha Halacha
Parshat Toldot
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Laws of the Shabbat Candles
The Power of Prayer
In this week’s Torah portion, we read that after being married and childless for twenty years, Yitzchak and Rivkah prayed to G-d.[1] G-d answered their prayers and they had twin boys. In reference to this, the Torah says: “And Isaac prayed to the Lord opposite his wife because she was barren.” We can infer from the wording that the reason Rivkah was barren was in order that she (and her husband) should pray to G-d. Thus we find that G-d sometimes brings troubles to people in order to enhance their relationship with Him.
One of the opportune moments for prayer is when a woman (or man) lights the Shabbat candles.
This article will explain the laws of lighting the Shabbat candles. For part one of this article, see:
http://yeshivahcollege.com/parsha.php?reg=64
Why Light?
It is a Rabbinic Mitzvah (commandment) to light the Shabbat candles on Friday before sunset[2] There are three reasons for lighting the Shabbat (or Yomtov) candles:
1) To honor the Shabbat – Kavod Shabbat (by having a brightly lit home for the Shabbat meal).[3]
2) To have pleasure on Shabbat – Oneg Shabbat (by having light with which to enjoy the Shabbat meal).[4]
3) In order to increase peace in the home (if people trip on things in a dark home, it could lead to arguments).[5]
When To Light?
· On time
The Shabbat candles should be lit well before sunset on Friday.[6] The custom of Jewish women in most of the world is to light 18 minutes before sunset.[7] In Jerusalem, it is customary to light 40 minutes before sunset.[8] Although men who are lighting (if they are single or if their wives are away) do not have a specific custom as to how early to light, it is necessary to accept Shabbat at least a few minutes early.[9]
· If It’s Late
If a woman did not light at candle-lighting time, she may light up to several minutes before sunset. If the woman of the house has not lit the candles and sunset is approaching, the husband should light the candles.[10] Some say that he need not say the beracha but may leave that for his wife to recite.[11]
· Missed the Time
If, for whatever reason, one did not light before sunset, one may ask a non-Jew to light one candle for them[12] as long as it is before nightfall (tzeit hakochavim – approximately a half hour after sunset).[13] One may then recite the bracha (blessing) on the candle.[14] Some say that the bracha should not be recited in this case.[15]
· Missed the Lighting
If a woman forgot to light Shabbat candles, she should light an extra candle from the next Shabbat and on.[16] This serves as a reminder that she shouldn’t forget again. If this is difficult, she should start using longer candles or at least one longer candle (or additional oil) from that time on. If she didn’t light for reasons beyond her control (e.g., one who was hospitalized and unable to light), one need not add a candle in the future.
Where To Light?
· At or Near the Shabbat Table
As mentioned above, one of the reasons the sages enacted the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles is in order to ensure that we enjoy the Shabbat meal on Friday night. One should therefore light the candles on or near the table on which they will eat their Shabbat meal.[17] The Arizal would arrange his Shabbat candles on a separate table that was to the south of the table where he would eat his Shabbat meal.[18]
· In the Rest of the House
In addition, one should leave on lights around the house to ensure that the areas one uses will be sufficiently lit for Shabbat. One need not recite a Beracha on these lights.[19]
· In the Sukkah
On Sukkot, if it is not possible to light candles in the Sukkah, one should arrange them in such a way that their light reaches the Sukkah. If this is not possible, one should light in the house and prepare the food by the light of the candles.[20]
· When Eating Out
If one is eating out on Friday night but sleeping in one’s own home, it is preferable that one light in one’s own home rather than in the host’s home. In this case, one must make sure to benefit from the candles by eating something by their light when one returns or by using their light for some activity. If this is not possible, one may light at their host’s home before the hostess lights.[21]
· In a Social Hall
When eating in a hotel or social hall, the Shabbat candles should be close enough to the tables that their light actually reaches those tables. If this is not possible, one should light in their own home or hotel room. One who lights in an area which will not illuminate the Shabbat table or an otherwise darkened room does not fulfill the mitzvah and is in fact reciting a blessing in vain.[22]
· In a Shul
On may not light Shabbat candles in Shul if no one will be eating there. If one does so, in addition to not fulfilling the mitzvah of lighting the Shabbat candles, one may have also recited a blessing in vain.[23]
What To Light?
· Candles
One may use any candle or oil and wick combination that sheds a clear light and does not flicker in such a way that it may go out.[24]
· Olive Oil
According to many authorities, it is preferable to use olive oil as that was used to fuel the Menorah (candelabra) in the Bait HaMikdash (Holy Temple) and it sheds a clear light.[25]
· Electric Lights
If one is in a place where one cannot light an actual flame (e.g., a hospital), most authorities say that one may switch on an electric bulb (preferably an incandescent one) and say a blessing on it.[26] If possible, one should use a lamp that is dedicated for use as Shabbat candles.[27] Some say it is better to use a battery-operated lamp.[28]
Who Lights?
· The Wife
In the home of a married couple, the wife should light the Shabbat candles. The sages entrusted the woman with this mitzvah as she is more occupied with the household affairs. In addition, this mitzvah is an atonement for the involvement of Eve in the sin of the Tree of Knowledge.[29]
· The Husband’s Role
Nevertheless, the husband should participate in this mitzvah by setting up the candles (or at least the matches)[30] and by (gently) reminding his wife to light at the proper time.[31] Some go so far as to light and extinguish the candles in order to make it easier for their wives to rekindle them.[32]
· If One’s Spouse is Away
When one spouse is away and the other is in the house, the one in the house must certainly light Shabbat candles. If it is the husband who is away, he need not light Shabbat candles if he is in a place where others will be lighting Shabbat candles.[33]
· If the Wife is Away
The custom is that a woman who is away from home lights her own candles even if she is a guest in a home where Shabbat candles are being lit. If she has her own room, it is preferable that she light in her room. She may also light at the Shabbat table but should do so before the woman of the home lights.[34] In this case, if the wife is lighting according to the number of her children (see below), the husband need only light two candles in his home.
· Husband and Wife Away
If the husband and wife are away from home but are in separate places, each one must fulfill the mitzvah individually. The wife should light candles where she is, and the husband should either light candles or participate in the candle-lighting of his host or hostess.[35]
· Single People
A single person who is not living with his parents, whether a man or a woman, is obligated to light the Shabbat candles. If one is eating out, it is better to light in one’s own home. If necessary, one may fulfill the mitzvah through the lighting of the hostess where one is eating. Some say that one should ask the lady of that house to have him (or her)[36] in mind when she lights.[37]
· Yeshivah Students
In a Yeshivah dormitory, one student may buy and light the candles on behalf of all of the students who are eating there. In addition, each student should ensure his room is sufficiently lit.[38]
· Young Girls
The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged young girls from the age of three and up to light Shabbat candles even if they are living at home with their mothers. They should light before their mother lights.[39] Some authorities say that unmarried girls living at home should not recite a beracha if they light.[40] As mentioned, the Chabad custom, , is to say the beracha.
She’hechiyanu
Some say that a woman or girl should say She’hechiyanu when she lights Shabbat candles for the first time.[41]
In order to recite the She’hechinyanu without a question, the Lubavitcher Rebbe recommended that girls begin lighting the candles on the Yom Tov before their third birthday when She’hechiyanu is recited in any case.[42]
How Many to Light?
A single girl (see above) should light one candle. A married woman should light at least two candles. These correspond to Zachor and Shamor (“remember” and “guard” the Shabbat). Some have the custom of lighting seven candles. These correspond to the days of the week.[43] Others have the custom of lighting ten candles.[44] The most commonly held custom is that a woman begins to light two candles when she gets married and then adds one for each child born to her. This is so that their mazal (spiritual energy) be brightened by the Shabbat candles.[45]
· Lighting for Stepchildren
A woman may light for her stepchildren as well as her own children. This should certainly be done if her stepchildren’s mother is no longer alive.
· On the Road
A woman who normally lights many candles may light only two when she travels.[46] Some women are particular to light for all of their children even when traveling.
Accepting Shabbat
Jewish women have accepted the custom to accept Shabbat when they light the Shabbat candles.[47] This means that after they finish lighting, they may not do any work that is forbidden on Shabbat. A woman should therefor make sure to finish any last minute preparations for Shabbat before lighting the candles.
· In Case of Need
If a woman needs to do work after lighting (e.g. travel by car to the mikvah or for another important reason), she should light with the intention that she isn’t accepting Shabbat. She may then travel (or do other necessary work) after lighting the Shabbat candles up to a few minutes before sunset. She may also do as above in order to be able to daven Mincha (pray the afternoon service) after candle-lighting.[48] In such a case, it is necessary for at least one family member to accept Shabbat within several minutes of her lighting the candles.[49] This is to demonstrate that the candles are to honor the Shabbat and not for any other reason. One should consult a rabbi if unsure as to what reason would make this acceptable.
· For Men
Men do not customarily accept Shabbat by lighting the candles. It is nevertheless praiseworthy for a man to specifically intend not to accept Shabbat) if he wishes to do work after lighting the candles). He may do this even if he doesn’t have any pressing reason.[50]
When to Say the Blessing
It is customary to say the blessing the Shabbat candles after lighting them. The reason for this is that if the woman were to make the blessing beforehand, it would already be considered Shabbat for her and she would then be unable to light the candles (according to some opinions). In order to not benefit from the candles before the blessing, it is customary to cover one’s eyes while making the blessing.[51]
Technically, men may make the blessing before lighting as they do not necessarily accept Shabbat when lighting (see above). In order to avoid confusion, however, the Chabad custom is that men also make the blessing after the lighting. In a similar vein, women make the blessing on the Yom Tov candles after lighting them even though one may light candles (from a pre-existing flame) even after accepting Yom Tov.[52]
Some say that a man should make the blessing before lighting as should women when lighting on Yom Tov.[53]
Order of Lighting
· If possible, one should be dressed in their Shabbat clothes before lighting.[54]
· It is customary to give Tzedaka (charity), especially to the poor in Israel,[55] before lighting the candles.[56]
· One should light all of the candles, put down the final match, but not extinguish it actively,[57] (wave their hands three times over the flames,)[58] cover one’s eyes, and recite the blessing.
· One should then pray for the children and household members as well as for whatever they wish.
[1] According to Rashi, Rivkah was three years old when she got married, whereas according to the Da’at Zekeinim and the Chizkuny, she was 14 years old.
[2] Rambam, laws of Shabbat, 5, 1. But see Yere’im Siman 429 (quoting the Baha”G) who holds it is a Torah obligation.
[3] See Rashi D.H. Chovah, Shabbat 25b, Yere’im, ibid
[4] Rambam, ibid
[5] Rashi D.H. Hadlakat HaNer on Shabbat, ibid
[6] See Shabbat 23b where Rav Yosef told his wife that she should not light at the last minute just as the pillar of fire came to the Jewish camp in the desert before the pillar of cloud departed. In addition, it is an obligation to accept Shabbat early. Some regard this as a Torah obligation. See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 261, 4
[7] This is actually the time Shabbat begins according to the opinion of the Yerei’m (Rabbi Eliezer of Metz), see Yere’im, end of Siman 274, Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 5. But see Igrot Moshe O.C. 1, 96 who mentions 20 minutes as the correct time.
[8] See Ketzot HaShulchan (73, Badei HaShulchan 14) who suggests a possible reason for this time.
[9] See Igrot Moshe ibid. As to the amount of time men should add, there are various opinions:
· 12 minutes before sunset (Mishna Berurah 261, 22)
· 4 minutes before sunset (Avnei Neizer 498)
· 2 minutes before sunset (Eretz Tzvi, 70, see also Siddur HaRav, Seder Hachnasat Shabbat)
In addition, lighting within two minutes of sunset may involve actual Shabbat desecration due to imprecision of clocks, candle-lighting time charts, and changes in weather conditions.
[10] Mishna Berurah 261, 11
[11] See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 263, 11
[12] The Alter Rebbe explains that since the main mitzvah is to light one candle, one may not ask a non-Jew to light more than this (Kuntres Acharon 3 on Siman 263). But see Rabbi Akiva Eiger (hagahot on Shulchan Aruch 261, 1) who holds that one may ask a non-Jew to light two candles or as many as needed (if it’s dark).
[13] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 263, 11. This is true even if the electric lights are on.
[14] Ibid The reason for this is that the Beracha on the candle-lighting is made on the benefit from the light, not on the lighting itself.
[15] Mishna Berurah, 263, 21
[16] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid, 1 See Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchato, 43 ,note 30, who suggests that this may not be necessary if the electric lights in the home were left on for the sake of keeping the home lit on Shabbat. One should consult a Halachic expert in the regard.
[17] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid, 1
[18] Kaf HaChaim, 263, 68 This was to correspond to the respective positions of the Shulchan (table for showbread) and Menorah (Candelabra) in the Bait HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Even one who does not set up the candles to the south of the Shabbat table, need not place them on the Shabbat table (ibid).
[19] See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid, 5
[20] Shmirat Shabbat KeHilchatah, 43, 15
[21] Chovat HaDar, pg. 94
[22] The Radiance of Shabbat by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg. 13 in the name of Reb Moshe Feinstein
[23] See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 263 11 and 289, 17
[24] See second chapter of Shabbat, O.C. 264
[25] See Shabbat 23a, Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 264, 12
[26] See Shmirat Shabbat Kehilchato, 43, 4, and sources quoted in note 22
[27] Tzitz Eliezer, vol. 1, siman 20, chapter 11
[28] Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach quoted in Shmirat Shabbat Kehilchato, ibid The reason for this is that the battery is like the fuel (oil or wax) which should be present when lighting.
[29] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 263, 5 See Bereishit Rabbah, end of chapter 17
[30] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid
[31] Ibid, 260, 5
[32] Mishnah Berurah 264, 28 This is no longer common practice as most candles light just as easily even if they were never previously lit (The radiance of Shabbat, page 7 in the name of the Chazon Ish).
[33] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 263, 9
[34] The Radiance of Shabbat, page 11
[35] Technically, when fulfilling the mitzvah of lighting through someone else, one should give them a coin to pay for their portion. It is also sufficient if the one lighting gives part of the oil or wax to the guest as a gift (Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 263, 9). In practice, I have seen this fulfilled by the one lighting simply having the other in mind.
If one is being hosted for the Shabbat meal, they are automatically included in the lighting of their host or hostess (ibid).
[36] But see below that according to Chabad custom single women and girls should light their own candles.
[37] See Chovat HaDar, page 92
[38] The Radiance of Shabbat, page 9
[39] See Sha’arei Halacha Uminhag, vol. 1, pages 252 - 260 The reason for lighting before the mother is to ensure that the mother can aid her daughter. In addition, the daughter can then make the beracha without compunction since she is not yet “included” in her mother’s lighting (which hasn’t happened yet).
[40] See Yechave Da’at, 2, 32
[41] Yavetz in his Siddur
[42] Sha’arei Halacha Uminhag, ibid, page 261
[43] See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid, 1
[44] Shela Masechet Shabbat 101b paragraph beginning: Sod Hadlakat Ner Shabbat. It seems that the number ten corresponds to the Ten Sefirot.
[45] See Likutei Sichot 11, page 289
[46] The Radiance of Shabbat, page 22
[47] This custom is in keeping with the opinion of the BaHa”G who holds that lighting the Shabbat candles automatically usher in the Shabbat. See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid, 7
[48] Kaf HaChaim, ibid, 35
[49] See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid, 6 and 11, According to Kuntres Acharon, 2 the time within which someone must accept Shabbat is “a lot less than a quarter of an hour.” This means ten minutes (Ketzot HaShulchan, 74, Badei HaShulchan 17)
[50] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, ibid, 7
[51] Ibid, 8
[52] Ibid, and Ketzot HaShulchan, ibid, 19
[53] Mishna Berurah, ibid, 27
[54] Ibid, 262, 11
[55] See Ketzot HaShulchan, ibid
[56] Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75, 2
[57] The reason that women should not extinguish the final match is that some say that women customarily accept Shabbat when they complete the lighting even before reciting the blessing. Men haven’t accepted this custom (see above) and they may therefor wave out the match.
[58] This is a common custom for which I have not found a source