SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING


Instructions and Blessing for Shabbat Candles

First light the candles.
Then spread your hands out around the candles
drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times
to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat.
You then cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:
The Blessing in Hebrew
Boruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech
Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov
Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha-bos Ko-desh

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights.

Blessings for the Festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot)
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu 
Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Tov.

Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Festival Day.

The Shechiyonu blessing:
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-he-che-ya-nu 
Vi-kee-yi-ma-nu Vi-hi-gee-an-u Liz-man Ha-zeh

Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and let us reach this time.

The time of lighting is considered especially propitious
for praying to G-d for health and happiness.
The prayer is readily acceptable because it is
offered during the performance of this great
mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.

Make sure to light candles before sunset.
For exact candle lighting time in your area, click here.