Saturday, December 15, 2007

Why we light Shabbat candles

Hello, and welcome to our new format!

We have been learning about lighting Shabbat candles.

We have already pointed out that lighting Shabbat candles may be understood as a function of enjoying Shabbat (as quoted in Mishneh Berurah), or of honoring Shabbat (as the Rambam declared).

A third view maintains that lighting Shabbat candles incorporates both elements, honoring Shabbat and creating enjoyment. Lighting where one eats the Shabbat meal creates honor for the day; lighting in other parts of the home provides enjoyment, for we can more easily move about our homes.

This helps explain why candle-lighting, unique among all of the acts we perform to prepare for Shabbat, has its own blessing.

(Aruch haShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:1-2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

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