lighting

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on How and Why to Light the Candles

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on How and Why to Light the Candles

The following video from Jewish Online Guides, an educational initiative by The United Synagogue, explores the lighting of the Shabbat candles according to Orthodox Ashkenazi tradition. Complete with an introduction

The Connection Between Giving Tzedakah and Shabbat Candle Lighting

The Connection Between Giving Tzedakah and Shabbat Candle Lighting

The following article describes the practice of giving tzedakah (charity) before lighting the Shabbat evening candles, along with an explanation as to how these two actions are intrinsically connected. This

“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

A Woman Before God: Candle Lighting Throughout the Generations

A Woman Before God: Candle Lighting Throughout the Generations

This article discusses the strong feminine aspect of the candle lighting ritual, including how various traditions which have been handed down from generation to generation through family matriarchs have gained halachic

Mayim Bialik: How Many Shabbat Candles Does a Divorced Woman Light?

Mayim Bialik: How Many Shabbat Candles Does a Divorced Woman Light?

In this article, actor and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik shares her personal experiences of motherhood and divorce in relation to lighting the Shabbat Candles. This article appeared on Kveller.com, a website