The tradition in Judaism of lighting Sabbath candles on Friday night is an ancient one. It is of rabbinic origin and is mentioned in the Mishna and Talmud numerous times. The custom requires that the candles be lit some time (usually 18 to 20 minutes) before sunset Friday night by the woman of the house. It is one of the three special mitzvot given to the woman of the house to perform, the others being the observance of family purity and the taking of chala from the dough of bread about to be baked.
Usually a minimum of two candles is lit, one in honor of the Sabbath commandment "zachor" - to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy - and the other candle represents "shamor" - to guard the Sabbath by the non-performance of forbidden labors. These are the two statements regarding the Sabbath that appear in the two texts of the Ten Commandments in the Bible. The two lit candles symbolize our devotion to the Sabbath in these two realms - one in the spiritual, intellectual sphere - "zachor", remembering - and the other in the practical, physical sense - "shamor", guarding the Sabbath from forbidden labors. Thus the two candles represent our commitment to the Creator, a commitment that the Sabbath itself represents.
The reasons that are advanced for the lighting of the candles are mainly three. The first is that the Sabbath requires that it be honored - that it be accorded "kavod." Thus, the candles are lit in honor of the Sabbath. The candles are not the only sign of honor in the house for the Sabbath. The Talmud and Maimonidies state that "beds should be made in order, and the table set properly for the Sabbath meal." The Sabbath is thus honored as a welcome and dear guest, a visit from a queen, so to speak. Royalty commands honor and respect. So does our Sabbath night and day.
A second reason that is advanced for the lighting of candles is "oneg Shabat" - the pleasure of the Sabbath. The prophet Isaiah enjoins us "to call the Sabbath pleasurable." Light is enjoyable. It enhances the ambience of our home and provides a festive atmosphere for our meal. Light is the symbol of creation, having been the first of God's creations. Light is also representative of Torah, as is stated in the Bible "For a mitzvah is like a candle and Torah is light itself." The pleasures of the Sabbath are both physical and spiritual. Good food, family companionship, a relaxed atmosphere, the absence of the jingling telephone and the cacophony of radio and television, sleep and rest - all are part of the enjoyment of the Sabbath. It is how we "call the Sabbath pleasurable." Torah study, synagogue attendance and meaningful reading and discussions are part of the spiritual section of the Sabbath's pleasures. The light of the candles represents the different types of joys and pleasures of the Sabbath, as well. The Sabbath dispels the darkness of the everyday workweek and allows the light of our souls to shine forth.
The third reason for Sabbath candle lighting is "shalom bayit" - peace and contentment in the home. The light of the holy candles signifies the bond of marriage and family. The absence of the mundane requirements of the workweek allows time for healing and understanding, love and empathy. A dark house leads to depression and sadness. A house full of light restores cheerfulness, optimism and confident hope. Sabbath is a blanket of serenity in an otherwise turbulent world. It is a retreat to our inner place of peace and stability. Wars demand blackouts. Peace is always represented by light. Since the Sabbath is peace incarnate, its symbol of lighting candles is most understandable and appropriate. It is the fulfillment of another biblical verse: "For in Your light, O God, shall we see light as well."
Shabbat Shalom.
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Rabbi Berel Wein, noted author and lecturer, is founder of the Destiny Foundation, dedicated to educating Jews about their historical and ethical heritage (JewishDestiny.com).
Usually a minimum of two candles is lit, one in honor of the Sabbath commandment "zachor" - to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy - and the other candle represents "shamor" - to guard the Sabbath by the non-performance of forbidden labors. These are the two statements regarding the Sabbath that appear in the two texts of the Ten Commandments in the Bible. The two lit candles symbolize our devotion to the Sabbath in these two realms - one in the spiritual, intellectual sphere - "zachor", remembering - and the other in the practical, physical sense - "shamor", guarding the Sabbath from forbidden labors. Thus the two candles represent our commitment to the Creator, a commitment that the Sabbath itself represents.
The reasons that are advanced for the lighting of the candles are mainly three. The first is that the Sabbath requires that it be honored - that it be accorded "kavod." Thus, the candles are lit in honor of the Sabbath. The candles are not the only sign of honor in the house for the Sabbath. The Talmud and Maimonidies state that "beds should be made in order, and the table set properly for the Sabbath meal." The Sabbath is thus honored as a welcome and dear guest, a visit from a queen, so to speak. Royalty commands honor and respect. So does our Sabbath night and day.
A second reason that is advanced for the lighting of candles is "oneg Shabat" - the pleasure of the Sabbath. The prophet Isaiah enjoins us "to call the Sabbath pleasurable." Light is enjoyable. It enhances the ambience of our home and provides a festive atmosphere for our meal. Light is the symbol of creation, having been the first of God's creations. Light is also representative of Torah, as is stated in the Bible "For a mitzvah is like a candle and Torah is light itself." The pleasures of the Sabbath are both physical and spiritual. Good food, family companionship, a relaxed atmosphere, the absence of the jingling telephone and the cacophony of radio and television, sleep and rest - all are part of the enjoyment of the Sabbath. It is how we "call the Sabbath pleasurable." Torah study, synagogue attendance and meaningful reading and discussions are part of the spiritual section of the Sabbath's pleasures. The light of the candles represents the different types of joys and pleasures of the Sabbath, as well. The Sabbath dispels the darkness of the everyday workweek and allows the light of our souls to shine forth.
The third reason for Sabbath candle lighting is "shalom bayit" - peace and contentment in the home. The light of the holy candles signifies the bond of marriage and family. The absence of the mundane requirements of the workweek allows time for healing and understanding, love and empathy. A dark house leads to depression and sadness. A house full of light restores cheerfulness, optimism and confident hope. Sabbath is a blanket of serenity in an otherwise turbulent world. It is a retreat to our inner place of peace and stability. Wars demand blackouts. Peace is always represented by light. Since the Sabbath is peace incarnate, its symbol of lighting candles is most understandable and appropriate. It is the fulfillment of another biblical verse: "For in Your light, O God, shall we see light as well."
Shabbat Shalom.
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Rabbi Berel Wein, noted author and lecturer, is founder of the Destiny Foundation, dedicated to educating Jews about their historical and ethical heritage (JewishDestiny.com).