Lighting Shabbat candles is one of the most beautiful and meaningful mitzvot in Judaism, and it’s a tradition Jewish families have observed for centuries. If you’re exploring this mitzvah for the first time, you’re joining a lineage of tradition that connects you to your ancestry and the special rhythm of Jewish time.

Gather your candles and matches, and let’s explore how to light Shabbat candles step by step. 

Why Do We Light Shabbat Candles?

In the book of Genesis, immediately after the six days in which God creates the world, God ceases God’s work and rests on the seventh day: “And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy—having ceased on it from all the work of creation that God had done” (Genesis 2:3).

The mitzvah of lighting candles is first mentioned in the TalmudReferring to one of two collections, the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds, edited in the 6th century, that contains hundreds of years of commentary, discussion, and exploration of the ideas in the Mishnah. One could describe it as Mishnah + Gemara = Talmud (Shabbat 25b). The rabbis explain that the first purpose of lighting candles was, at that time, to provide light for the Shabbat meal. In addition, the Rishonim, who commented on the Talmud from the 11th-15th centuries, cited three additional reasons for lighting candles: 1) Oneg Shabbat – Oneg is the Hebrew word for joy or pleasure, and the candles help to create this feeling 2) Shabbat honor when the candles make more light, and  3) peace at home.

Traditionally, women have fulfilled this role, but all Jews—of any gender—are obligated to ensure that their homes have Shabbat lights.

What do I need to light the candles?

To light Shabbat candles according to the mitzvah, you will need:

Candles:

• You’ll need at least two candles, symbolizing Zachor (Remember Shabbat, Exodus 20:8) and Shamor (Keep, observe Shabbat, Deuteronomy 5:12). This comes from the dual listings of the Ten Commandments of Shabbat mentioned in Exodus and Deuteronomy.
• A common personal custom is to light two candles (to represent Zachor and Shamor), and an additional number of candles equal to the number of children in the family.
• You can also use oil lamps if you prefer.

Candlesticks or a Tray:

• Place your candles on a stable surface, ideally on a dedicated tray to catch wax or oil drips.

Matches or a Lighter:

• Ensure you have a way to light them safely before Shabbat begins.

When to Light the Candles

The candles must be lit before sunset on Friday evening. Some customs encourage you to light them 20-30 minutes beforehand, to be certain you have not lit the candles too late. The exact time varies depending on your location, so check out Exploring Judaism’s Shabbat times page, or your favorite Jewish calendar or Shabbat app for the correct time in your area.

Lighting the candles after sunset is prohibited, as this would violate the Shabbat prohibition against kindling fire.

How to Light Shabbat Candles

Prepare the Space. Set up the candles in the place where you’ll eat your Shabbat meal or another central location in your home. Make sure it’s a safe spot and not dangerous. 

Light the Candles and then pass your hands over the candles three times, in a way that invites and Shabbat and the candles closer to us. Imagine that your hands are saying, “Come here! You’re welcome!” 

Next, cover your eyes and  recite the blessing: 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְו‍ֹתָיו וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת.

Barukh attah adonai, eloheinu, melekh ha-olam, asher kidd’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivvanu l’hadlik neir shel shabbat.

Praised are You, Adonai, our God, Sovereign of the universe, who, sanctifying us with divine commandments, has commanded us to kindle the Shabbat lamp.

While your eyes are covered, this can be an opportunity to thank God for the past week, pray, or ask personal requests.

Uncover your eyes and welcome Shabbat. Gaze at the candles, taking a moment to reflect on the sanctity of the day.

The Legacy of Light

The glow of the Shabbat candles symbolizes the harmony and holiness that Shabbat brings. Lighting the candles marks the moment of transition from the mundane week to the sacred Shabbat. By lighting Shabbat candles, you participate in a mitzvah that has endured through exile, diaspora, and centuries of Jewish life. When you light the candles, you’re not only fulfilling a commandment—you’re connecting to a timeless tradition of hope, holiness, and unity. 

May your Shabbat candles bring warmth and light to your home and heart.

Shabbat Shalom!