Shabbat Candle Holders

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The Custom of Lighting the Candles on Shabbat

Shabbat (the Sabbath) like other Jewish holidays begins at sunset in accordance with the established tradition of marking the beginning of a day in accordance with story of creation in Genesis 1.

Shabbat candles are lit and a blessing is recited no later than eighteen minutes before sunset. The candles are traditionally lit by the woman of the house, but can be lit by a man in her absence.

The lighting of the candles marks the beginning of Shabbat. The Book of Esther relates that “…the Jews had joy and light and gladness…” and hence light is also associated with celebration.

A minumum of two candles are lit, though many families light more in accordance with their minhag (custom) . The minimum of lighting two candles represents the two commandments in the Torah to zakhor (remember) and shamor (observe) the Shabbat.