So you want to light Shabbat candles.
That’s pretty fantastic. Whether you’re coming to this totally new, rusty from childhood, or just looking for a refresher without all the judgment, we’re thrilled you’re here.
Here’s the thing: lighting Shabbat candles is one of the most beautiful, calming rituals in Judaism, and it’s also one of the most accessible. You don’t need fancy equipment, years of Hebrew school, or permission from anyone. You just need two candles, a couple of minutes, and honestly, that’s it.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: when to light, what to say, how to do it, and what to do if you mess up (spoiler: you can’t really mess up). Whether you’re Jewish, part of a Jewish family, or just curious about how Jewish people welcome Shabbat, we promise never to JewBarrass® you. Let’s do this.
What Are Shabbat Candles?
Shabbat candles are the candles you light on Friday evening to welcome Shabbat: the Jewish day of rest that runs from Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown. The tradition is to light at least two candles, though some people light more (one for each child, for example, or just because they like the look of it).
Why two? The traditional explanation is that the two candles represent “remember” and “observe”, the two different ways the Torah describes Shabbat in the Ten Commandments. But honestly, the beautiful part is what they do: they mark the transition from your regular week to something slower, more intentional. They create this warm, peaceful moment right when you need it most.
This tradition goes back thousands of years (like 5,000+), but it’s not stuck in the past. People light Shabbat candles in tiny studio apartments, sprawling suburban homes, dorm rooms, and everywhere in between. Some use traditional white candles in silver candlesticks passed down for generations. Others use beeswax candles from the farmer’s market or electric candles because open flames aren’t allowed in their building. (And yes, you can also light candles for other holidays like Hanukkah, but that’s a guide for another day.) All of it counts.
The point isn’t what kind of candles you use. It’s that you’re creating a moment of light and peace to start your Shabbat. That’s it.
Shabbat Candle Lighting Times:
When to Light
Okay, here’s where it gets slightly technical, but we’ll keep it simple. The rule is: you light Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset on Friday.
Not at sunset. Before sunset. Why 18 minutes? TBH, the reasoning involves some ancient calculations, and honestly, you don’t need to worry about it. What you need to know is: 18 minutes before sunset, wherever you are.
This matters because Shabbat technically begins at sundown, and once Shabbat starts, you can’t light candles anymore (lighting fire is one of the things you’re not supposed to do on Shabbat). So you light just before, welcoming Shabbat in.
Finding Your Shabbat Candle Lighting Time
Here’s the slightly annoying part: the exact time changes every single week because sunset changes throughout the year. And it’s different depending on where you live. Shabbat candle lighting times in NYC are different from Los Angeles, which are different from Miami.
So how do you find out what time to light Shabbat candles today? A few options:
- Websites: Sites like Chabad or Hebcal have Shabbat times calculators. Just plug in your zip code.
- Apps: There are tons of Jewish calendar apps that will tell you local candle lighting times. Most are free.
- Google it: Search “shabbat candle lighting times [your city]” and you’ll get the answer.
Check weekly because it changes. Set a reminder on your phone if that helps.
What If You Miss the Time?
Life happens. If you miss the 18-minute window and the sun has already set, you technically shouldn’t light the candles on Shabbat itself.
Does that mean your Shabbat is ruined? Absolutely not. You can still have a beautiful Shabbat dinner, say blessings over wine and bread, enjoy the evening. Or, light them anyway. We don’t judge.
Shabbat Candle Lighting
Prayer and Blessings
The blessing for Shabbat candles is short, beautiful, and easier than you think. You don’t need to be fluent in Hebrew. You can read it off your phone if you want.
Here’s the blessing:
In Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת
Transliteration:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
English translation:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candles.
That’s it. That’s the whole thing.
How to Say the Blessing
Here’s the traditional way:
- Light the candles
- Wave your hands over the flames three times, bringing the light toward you
- Cover your eyes with your hands
- Say the blessing while your eyes are covered
- Uncover your eyes and enjoy the candlelight
Why do we cover our eyes? The traditional explanation is that you’re not supposed to enjoy the benefit of the candles until after you’ve said the blessing. But normally you say a blessing before you do the thing. With Shabbat candles, you can’t light them after Shabbat has started, so you light them first, cover your eyes so you don’t “see” them yet, say the blessing, and then uncover your eyes.
Does that make total sense? Not really. But it’s beautiful and it works.
Making It Personal
A lot of people add their own silent prayers or meditations after the official blessing. Some people pray for their families, for peace, for the week ahead. Some people just take a breath and enjoy the moment.
This is your moment. You can keep it traditional, make it personal, or do both. If you stumble over the Hebrew, that’s fine. If you say it in English, that’s fine too. The intention is what matters.
How to Light Shabbat Candles:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, let’s put it all together. Here’s exactly how to light Shabbat candles:
Step 1: Set Up Before Lighting Time
Before the 18-minutes-before-sunset mark, get your candles set up in their holders. Put them somewhere you’ll see them during dinner, traditionally the dining table.
Step 2: Light the Candles
Use a match or lighter. Light both candles (or however many you’re lighting).
Step 3: Wave Your Hands
Wave your hands over the flames three times, bringing the light toward yourself. You’re welcoming in the Shabbat light.
Step 4: Cover Your Eyes
Put your hands over your eyes.
Step 5: Say the Blessing
Recite the blessing in Hebrew, English, or both.
Step 6: Uncover Your Eyes
Take your hands away and look at the candles. Take a breath. Enjoy the light.
Step 7: Add Anything Personal (Optional)
If you want to add a personal prayer or just stand there for a minute, do that.
Who Lights the Candles?
Traditionally, this has been a ritual primarily performed by women. But in modern practice, anyone can and should light Shabbat candles. Some families have one person light for the household. In other families, everyone lights their own candles. Both approaches are beautiful.
Safety Note
Keep your candles away from curtains, papers, anything flammable. Use stable holders. Never leave burning candles unattended.
Shabbat Candle Holders
and What You'll Need
The good news: you don’t need fancy equipment to start lighting Shabbat candles.
Can you use your grandmother’s ornate silver candlesticks? Absolutely. Can you use two mismatched candlestick holders from Target? Also yes. Can you use clean glass jars? You sure can.
Types of Candle Holders
If you’re looking for traditional Shabbat candle holders, here’s what’s out there:
- Silver candlesticks: Classic, traditional, often passed down through families.
- Modern candlesticks: Contemporary designers make gorgeous, minimalist Shabbat candle holders.
- Glass or ceramic holders: Simple, elegant, easy to find.
You can find Jewish Shabbat candle holders at Judaica stores, online (Etsy has tons), or thrift stores. Or better yet, shop Israeli makers here. But honestly? Use what you have. The candles don’t care.
A candle tray to catch dripping wax is helpful but not required. If you’re just starting and want to try this before investing in anything, grab whatever candles and holders you have and see how it feels.
Common Questions
About Shabbat Candles
The good news: you don’t need fancy equipment to start lighting Shabbat candles.
Can you use your grandmother’s ornate silver candlesticks? Absolutely. Can you use two mismatched candlestick holders from Target? Also yes. Can you use clean glass jars? You sure can.
What time is Shabbat candle lighting today?
It depends on where you are and what day it is. Check a Jewish calendar website or app for your local time. Remember, it’s 18 minutes before sunset, and that changes weekly.
Can I use electric Shabbat candles?
Yes! Electric candles work great if you’re in a situation where open flames aren’t safe or allowed: dorms, apartments with fire codes, or if you’re nervous about fire safety. Use what works for you.
How many candles should I light?
The minimum is two. Some people light additional candles for each child. Both two and twenty are fine. Start with two and see how you feel.
Can men light Shabbat candles?
Absolutely. While traditionally performed by women, anyone can light Shabbat candles. Many modern households have partners take turns or everyone lights their own.
What if I don't know Hebrew?
Say the blessing in English, read the transliteration phonetically, or light the candles in silence with good intentions. All valid.
Do I have to light candles every Friday?
Jewish tradition means honoring the day of rest, which includes lighting candles. But this is a judgment-free zone. The ritual is here when you want it, but there’s no attendance requirement. (Same goes for keeping kosher or any other Jewish practice. JewBelong doesn’t do guilt.)
Make It Your Own
Look, here’s what we want you to know: lighting Shabbat candles doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s version. You don’t need your grandmother’s candlesticks or perfect Hebrew or a big family gathered around the table.
You can light candles alone in your apartment when you need a moment of peace. You can stumble through the blessing, use electric candles, or just stand there enjoying the light without saying anything at all.
The whole point of JewBelong is this: we exist for when you feel you don’t. There’s no perfect way to do this, just your way.
If you want more resources, we’ve got a free Shabbat guide that walks through the whole Friday night experience, from candles to wine to challah to dinner blessings. It’s pretty fantastic. (And it’s free. Did we mention it’s free?)
We’re thrilled you’re exploring this. Give it a try this Friday. Light two candles, say the blessing however feels right, and see what happens.
No JewBarrassment® here. Just light.
Ready to dive deeper into Shabbat?
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Want to explore more?
Check out our other guides on Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions: all written in plain language, all totally free.
