הדלקת נרות

Reconstructionist Thought on Candle Lighting

Reconstructionist Thought on Candle Lighting

In this short excerpt from the essay “Exploring Judaism: A Reconstructionist Approach,” Shabbat candle lighting is expounded on as an example of the importance of ritual within Reconstructionist Judaism. Reconstructionist Judaism

Introduction: How to Light the Shabbat Candles

Introduction: How to Light the Shabbat Candles

This introductory video provides a step-by-step explanation on how to light the Shabbat evening candles according to Asheknazic tradition, using captions, pictures, and music to capture the magical ambience of lighting the

The History of Lighting the Shabbat Candles

The History of Lighting the Shabbat Candles

In this excerpt from the article, “Lighting Sabbath Candles,” Avi Lazerson discusses the historical and textual explanations for the commandment of lighting the Shabbat evening candles. He explains how this ritual was

Chabad: How and Why We Light the Shabbat Candles

Chabad: How and Why We Light the Shabbat Candles

In this 18 min. lecture, Rabbi Yosef Shusterman, renowned Chabad rabbi and authority on Jewish law and Hassidut, gives an extensive overview of the practical how to’s of the lighting

Shabbat Candles Across History

Shabbat Candles Across History

The following video offers a wordless demonstration of women lighting the Shabbat candles from Canaan (the biblical reference for Ancient Israel) 2200 BCE to the present day. Created by Rabbi

Bella Chagall’s “Burning Lights:” A Recollection

Bella Chagall’s “Burning Lights:” A Recollection

In this excerpt from the book “Burning Lights: A Unique Double Portrait of Russia,” Bella Chagall describes a detailed accounting from her childhood of what the Shabbat candle lighting ceremony

How to Light Shabbat Candles: Bringing Light to your Family

How to Light Shabbat Candles: Bringing Light to your Family

This video, by Rabbi Janet Ross Marder, describes how to light the Shabbat evening candles, with a focus on bringing light and peace to your home and family. Rabbi Marder

“Blessed is the Match”: A Poem by Hannah Senesh

“Blessed is the Match”: A Poem by Hannah Senesh

The following poem, “Blessed is the Match” by Hannah Senesh, describes the human soul as analogous to a match that is desperate to spread its light to other flames. Although not

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Quotes on Shabbat Candles

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Quotes on Shabbat Candles

These poetic quotes from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel describe the moment when Shabbat arrives, bringing with it an atmosphere of light, peace, rest, joy, and renewal. Heschel points to the creative and

Candle Lighting: The Test of Time

Candle Lighting: The Test of Time

The following excerpt from the article “Truth Stands the Test of Time” explains how the Shabbat candles are symbolic of the truth and authenticity of the Torah and the Jewish