Shabbat candles are candles that are lit on Friday evening before sunset to usher in the Jewish Sabbath. The lighting of Shabbat candles is a rabbinically mandated law, and it is traditionally done by the woman of the household. However, in liberal communities, candle lighting can be done by any Jewish adult. The candles must be lit before the official starting time of Shabbat, which varies from place to place, but is generally 18 or 20 minutes before sunset. The purpose of lighting Shabbat candles is to dignify the Sabbath.

At least two candles should be lit, and they should be in the room where the Sabbath meal is to be eaten. The pair of Shabbat candles is one of the most iconic images of the holiday, and many reasons are given for the number two. Some say that it indicates the candles are special, holding a purpose one candle alone cannot.

The Torah says nothing about lighting candles to welcome Shabbat; the practice first appears in rabbinic literature. It seems to have originated as an extension of the practice of lighting a flame before Shabbat precisely because flames may not be kindled on the Sabbath. This flame was a source of light after the sun went down. However, the Shabbat candles evolved into an important part of the ritual, and it became forbidden to use them for any practical purpose, including as light to read by.

Shabbat candles must burn at least until you recite Hamotzi, the blessing over bread, and some sources say that they should burn for two to three hours. For this reason, birthday candles and Hanukkah candles, which burn down quickly, are not recommended. There are specially-made Shabbat candles that will fit in a regular-sized taper holder but are shorter than taper candles (and therefore will not burn all night), but a regular tea light will also work perfectly well.

In addition to their practical purpose, Shabbat candles are also a metaphor for Torah and for the human soul. The Shabbat candles represent the light we introduce into the world through studying Torah. When we light the Shabbat candles, we can also take time to acknowledge that we each possess a flame inside of us. This inner flame can give off a light, or a clarity, to see through the “darkness,” the stress and worries of the rest of the week. The Shabbat candles might not be a big fiery lantern, but even a little bit of light is enough to stave off darkness[[5]](https://onetable.org/2019/07/09...