Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on How and Why to Light the Candles
The following video from Jewish Online Guides, an educational initiative by The United Synagogue, explores the lighting of the Shabbat
Candle Lighting: The Test of Time
The following excerpt from the article “Truth Stands the Test of Time” explains how the Shabbat candles are symbolic of
Reconstructionist Thought on Candle Lighting
In this short excerpt from the essay “Exploring Judaism: A Reconstructionist Approach,” Shabbat candle lighting is expounded on as an example
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Quotes on Shabbat Candles
These poetic quotes from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel describe the moment when Shabbat arrives, bringing with it an atmosphere of light, peace,
Shabbat Candles as a Revelation of the Hidden Light of Creation
The following excerpt is a translation and explanation of a Hasidic text relating to Shabbat candle lighting, from The Sabbath Soul: Mystical
Shabbat Candle Lighting: Empowering or Restricting to Women?
The following article addresses whether the tradition of women lighting Shabbat candles is empowering or restricting. The anonymous author explores the
Waving the Hands Before Candle Lighting: A Kabbalistic Understanding
This short post explores the Halachic (Jewish law) and Kabbalistic (Jewish mysticism) explanations as to why those lighting the Shabbat evening
The History and Symbolism of Lighting Shabbat Candles
In this short, informative video, Rabbi Michael Laitner offers both historical and spiritual explanations for the Shabbat evening candle lighting and
Women in Judaism: Lighting Shabbat Candles
This article explains how lighting Shabbat candles brings peace and harmony into the home, both practically and symbolically, and why this
One Jewish Woman’s Musings on Eishet Chayil
In this personal blog post, Amy Meltzer shares her desire, as a Jewish woman, to hear her praises sung at