Candlelight is very different than the harsh lights of our homes and offices. We begin Shabbat bathed in their sweet, gentle glow.

Candles are lit a minimum of 18 minutes before sundown on Friday evening.

Light at least two candles (some add an additional candle for each child.) Draw in the light by waving your hands toward your eyes three times. Recite the blessing, while covering your eyes with your hands. Uncover your eyes and take a moment to appreciate the sweet light of Shabbat.

בָּרוּךְ‭ ‬אַתָּה‭ ‬יְיָ‭ ‬אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ‭ ‬מֶֽלֶךְ‭ ‬הָעוֹלָם
‭ ‬אֲשֶׁר‭ ‬קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ‭ ‬בְּמִצְוֹתָיו
‭ ‬וְצִוָּֽנוּ‭ ‬לְהַדְלִיק‭ ‬נֵר‭ ‬שֶׁל‭ ‬שַׁבָּת

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam,
asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav
v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel shabbat.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe,
Whose mitzvot add holiness to our lives
and Who has given us the mitzvah to kindle the lights of Shabbat.