Shabbat candles are a unique commandment to usher in the spirit of Sabbath. Traditionally done by women for the entire household,
lighting shabbat candles is a rabbinic law in the Halacha. The lighting of the candles happens shortly before sunset on Friday evening, and a blessing is said over the candles, along with guiding the sabbath in with the hands in a movement over the candles and inwards.
The complete text of the
blessing we say today over the shabbat candles finds its most early identified source in the Siddur of Rav Amram, which was written in the 9th century by Rav Amram
Gaon. In this siddur, the Talmud is cited saying that a blessing is mandatory as part of the mitzvah (commandment). It seems that this is the sole surviving source, because it is not written elsewhere until much later. There is a distinct possibility that Jews in Europe didn't bless over the candles until much later, or that they may have recited a blessing related to the centuries older text of the Hanukkah menorah blessing.
Hannah, Rashi's granddaughter, describes how her mother would light the shabbat candles and recite a blessing over them.
Two candles are traditional, but many families add an extra candle for each child. Nevertheless, two are sufficient. Shabbat candles have a dual significance, they "honor Shabbat" (כבוד שבת) and bestow shalom bayit (domestic peace) (שלום בית) in the household.
Yiddish refers to the lighting of Shabbat candles as licht bentschen ("light davening") or licht tsinden ("light kindeling").
The blessing said over the Shabbat candles is like so:
"ברוך אתה ה״ אלוהינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו להדליק נר של שבת"
Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu 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 sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light Shabbat candle[s]."
Chabad adds the word "kodesh" ("holy") after the rest of the blessing, changing "the candle of HOLY Shabbat," (ner shel Shabbas kodesh).
A meaningful mitzvah, and one designated for women, this unique practice is traditionally done with a pair of beautiful Judaica candlesticks. Some communities hold that the groom gifts these to the bride on the day of their wedding, and they are one of the most classic examples of Judaica family heirlooms, being passed on through the generations and bringing peace to the family for many many years.
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