Basya Tsybukmakher
The Creator has granted us the great joy of Shabbat, which lifts the Jewish people above the routine of everyday life every seventh day. The privilege of lighting Shabbat candles, bringing peace and harmony into the Jewish home, is given specifically to the woman. As the woman of the household, she lights them on behalf of all the members of her family. Since a woman accepts Shabbat when she lights the candles, the order of lighting is as follows (if you are lighting at the last moment, omit step 1):
1. Prayer before lighting 2. Lighting Shabbat candles 3. Blessing over the candles 4. Prayer after lighting
It is customary to give tzedakah before lighting Shabbat candles. By lighting Shabbat candles, help us kindle the light of Torah!
Shabbat candles must be lit on Friday, 18 minutes before sunset (40 minutes in Jerusalem). Please do not light the candles while your computer, phone and similar devices are switched on, as this violates Shabbat. Instead, you can:
