Sunday, December 16, 2007

When do we light Shabbat candles?

Hi,

We have been learning about lighting Shabbat candles.

Although Shabbat technically begins at sunset, we accept Shabbat earlier in order to fulfill the mitzvah of Tosefet Shabbat, adding from the mundane to the sacred. This is understood by many to be a biblical obligation.

Therefore, Jewish communities worldwide establish lighting times of 18 or 20 minutes before the sun sets.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 261:2; Mishneh Berurah 261:19-20)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

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