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Candle Lighting
KINDLING LIGHTS
Israel
has a tradition from the days of Moses to kindle lights for
the Sabbath (Pesikta Zutresa).
Rabbi
Shimon bar Yochai said that God blessed the Sabbath by
providing additional manna on Friday and He sanctified it
with lights (Mechilta Yisro).
Rav Huna
said that one who is scrupulous in the kindling of Sabbath
lights will be blessed with children who are Torah scholars
(Shabbos 23b).
A prime reason for the Sabbath lights is to increase the
enjoyment of the day and avoid the strife that would be
likely if members of the family were stumbling in the dark (Orach
Chaim 263). The kindling has traditionally been the mitzvah
of women although, if no woman is present, it is incumbent
upon men to kindle Sabbath lights.
It is customary to recite a prayer after the kindling.
because of Rav Huna's declaration (see above), the prayer
stresses the supplication that the children of the home grow
up to be learned and righteous.
(Artscroll Zemiros and Bircas Hamazon)
THE
CUSTOM OF ADDING ONE CANDLE FOR EACH CHILD
"The
extra candles symbolize that each child brings his or her
unique light into the world. Each child's potential, even
their very presence, makes the world a brighter place for
everyone."
The
Shabbos candles on Friday night are not the only candles
that a Jewish woman gets to light. Our Rabbis teach, "The
candle of G-d is the soul of a person.” It is the woman who
has the privilege of bringing children into the world and
raising them, so that their "candles" may grow into strong
and healthy, light-giving flames.
Therefore candle-lighting is an opportune time for mothers
to pray for success in raising their children.
THE CANDLE LIGHTING
PRAYER
The
following is an excerpt of the accepted prayer:
May it be Your will, G-d, that You grace me and my husband
to raise children who are wise and understanding and light
up the world with Torah and good deeds. Please hear my
supplication in the merit of our Mothers, Sarah, Rebecca,
Rachel and Leah.
THE MATRIARCHS AND
SHABBOS
Our
Matriarchs play a special role in the mitzvah of lighting
candles. As we light the candles, we connect with their
legacy. The realization that our life challenges are much
like theirs makes the Shabbos candles even more meaningful.
Just as they founded families committed to morality and
goodness, so do we. Just as their lights were eternal, so we
hope that our lights will symbolize the eternal legacy of
the Jewish people.
So, as you light the Shabbos candles, imagine your ancestors
doing the same. Experience the serenity that Shabbos brings.
Recognize that it is the light of Shabbos that has kept the
Jew alive throughout the ages, and it is the light of
Shabbos that will ensure the stability of the Jewish home.
BLESSING ON CANDLE
LIGHTING
Friday evening Candle-lighting
blessing. (Source: Artscroll Mesorah Transliterated Siddur )
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