In this comprehensive article, Rhona Lewis shares many of the deep spiritual and kabbalistic teachings behind the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles. Using a wide variety of Biblical, Talmudic, halachic and historical sources, the author explores the origins of the ritual, the meaning behind it, some practical aspects, and the inherent connection to Jewish women, on both an individual and national level. Lewis, born and raised in Kenya, and currently living in Israel, is a writer for Chabad.org, the official website of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, which offers practical and spiritual resources aimed at a wide Jewish audience.