shabbat
Sarah’s Light: The Candles that Never Waned
This enlightening article explores the age old connection between Jewish women and Shabbat candles, explaining references to the Matriarch, Sarah, lighting Shabbat candles in the Torah and Midrash. The article delves into
Shabbat Observance in Alaska: Lighting Shabbat Candles Without Sunset
In this article, Rabbi Dov Gartenberg shares his thoughts and halachic insights about Shabbat observance when living in Alaska, where during certain times of the year, the sun does not
Switching On Shabbat: Temples in Time
Referencing Jewish thinkers Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Blu Greenberg, this article describes lighting the Shabbat candles as a transformative act that enables us to create temples in time, thus
How to Light Shabbat Candles: Conservative Tradition
This article provides a concise overview of the ritual of lighting Shabbat candles in the home on Friday night, including where, when, by whom, and how the candles should be
Zelda: To Light Candles in All the Worlds
In this poem, the modern Hebrew poet, Zelda, describes the meaning of Shabbat candles. Her understanding of the Shabbat candles as a reminder of the redemptive power of light reflects
Mother’s Prayer for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Upon Lighting Shabbat Candles
This short English prayer is recited by a mother prior to blessing the candles on the Shabbat celebrating her son/daughter’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The time of lighting Shabbat candles is considering
Candle Lighting as a Spiritual Union
This piece provides a mystical explanation of the Shabbat candle lighting ritual, applying ancient Kabbalistic concepts in a way that is relevant for modern Jews. Written by Rabbi Goldie Milgram, a
A Reconstructionist Reflection Before Lighting Shabbat Candles
This short reflection, recited prior to light Shabbat candles, is written by Jewish-American poet, Marge Piercy, and appears in the Reconstructionist Kol Haneshama siddur. It encourages the reader to be
The Sabbath as a Journey Through the Worlds
In this piece, the author describes Shabbat as a holistic experience, beginning with the lighting of the Shabbat candles. She suggests that the two candles represent different dualistic aspects we
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