Lighting Shabbat and Festival Candles
“For the mitzvah is a candle and the Torah is light…”
- Proverbs 6:23
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It is considered a great mitzvah and responsibility to honor the Sabbath by lighting candles 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. This unique commandment, entrusted to the Jewish woman, is rich with meaning and purpose. In a world so full of darkness the candles lit by Jewish women and girls bring light, joy and holiness. A little light, our sages say, dispels much darkness.
It is very important to know the exact candle-lighting time, because we are not allowed, under any circumstances, to kindle these lights after sunset.
Married women should light at least two candles, corresponding to the
two commandments of "Remember the Sabbath" (Exodus 20,8) and "Observe the Sabbath" (Deuteronomy 5,12) but single women, and even young girls, light only one (in deference to their mothers).
Candle Lighting Blessings:
Baruch Ato Ado-noi Elo-hei-nu Melech Ho-olom Asher Kide-shanu Be-mitz-vosov Ve-tzi-vanu Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos Ko-desh
While your hands are covering your eyes after the blessing it is a very special time for a woman to pray. You can ask and beseech from G-D for Health, Wealth and Nachas.
For more information on this Mitzvah and/or for a Calendar call us at 718-946-9833