Hi,
The Sages were very concerned that Jews should take their Shabbat preparations seriously. As such, they instituted a fine for someone who forgets to light Shabbat candles (as opposed to someone who simply isn't in a position to do it):
One who forgets to light on a given week is supposed to add one more candle each week for the rest of his/her life. In other words, one who used to light two candles would then light three each subsequent week.
A family which cannot afford the extra candles should instead use longer candles, so that they will add to the Mitzvah in that fashion.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 263:1; Mishneh Berurah 263:7)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteI wonder, just as an aside, if one enjoys lighting longer-lasting candles, and does so week after week, is she then obligated to always use them instead of the minimal size candles?
An interesting question, but I'd say not. I wouldn't equate that with a minhag of X number of candles.
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