Shabbat Candles

Q: Why do we light Shabbat candles?

A: This may be the most impressive and ubiquitous observance in the Jewish home.  Each Shabbat and festival two candles are lit just before sunset.  As the candles catch and burn the home becomes suffused with warmth.  Especially in the darkness of the long winter nights, the flames capture the resplendent glory of God’s gift.

The Shabbat lights serve as a reminder of the rabbinic axiom to have “Shalom Bayit,” tranquility in the house.  Accordingly the rabbis direct us to obtain candles (or oil) that will not sputter.  They go further to recommend specific fabrics and waxes to maximize the peacefulness (that is what makes a candle “kosher”).

We light candles and allow them to burn unimpeded through the evening in order to infuse our homes with a sense of tranquility (shalom bayit).  Here is a constant source of light.  We do not need to fret about a power failure in order to enjoy our meal and the pleasure of being with loved ones.  The ambiance provided by the flickering lights fills the soul with a sense of the sublime.

The reason we light two candles is because of the biblical injunctions to “remember” and “observe” the Shabbat (Exodus 20:8 & Deuteronomy 5:12).   The flames remind us of the first Day of Rest along with the many gifts it brings.  In some families there is the custom to light an additional candle for each member of the household beyond two.  Thus, if a family had three children they may light five candles.