Nerot Shabbat - Shabbat candles


It is a mitzvah for Jews to light candles to usher in Judaism's Day of Rest. It is a mitzvah for Jewish men and women to light Sabbath candles on Friday night. Since the wife generally has more influence over the spirit of the home, she was given the privilege of lighting the Shabbat candles. If a man lives alone, then he should light the candles.

the blessing recounted over the Sabbath candles is:

Barukh atah Adonai E1oheinu, melekh ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has made us holy through His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Sabbath light.

After lighting the candles, the woman covers her eyes with her hands and recites the above blessing. After the blessing, some women add a silent prayer for the family.

Only after the blessing is recited, the woman uncovers her eyes and looks at the light. By covering her eyes, the woman can focus more fully on the blessing and can postpone the enjoyment of the fruits of the blessing (seeing the light) until after the blessing is recited.

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This day in Jewish history


  • Anti-Jewish riots in Krakow, 1682.
  • U.S. Congress allowed Rabbi's to serve as army chaplain's.
  • Resolution to establish the Haganah, 1920.
  • Jews of Vienna were forced to embrace Christianity or were burned at the stake, 1421.

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