Shabbat Candlesticks

The Shabbat candles are an important part of the Shabbat table. Whether elegant, chic, modern or traditional, Shabbat candlesticks, often serve as focal point of the table.
In light of these traditional Shabbat candlesticks, Jews welcome the Sabbath in their homes. Shabbat candles add beauty and personalization of this sacred ritual.

Shabbat candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset every Friday. This practice began for practical reasons, but continues to be observed today:
Originally, the candles were lit for 18 minutes before sunset to ensure they are on fire at the beginning of Shabbat, for lighting a fire is prohibited on the Jewish Sabbath. Since candles can be lit in seconds with our modern comforts, 18 minutes is now used as a meditative and peaceful transition of the week to the sanctity of the Jewish Sabbath.

It is customary to light two Shabbat candles . These two candles represent the dual commandments to remember and observe the Sabbath. The candles are lit by the maid. After lighting, she waves her hands over the Shabbat candles, welcoming in the Sabbath. Then she covers her eyes and recites the blessing: Baruch Adonai Atah, Eloheinu, Melech Asher Haolam b'mitz'votav kidishanu v'tzivanu the had'lik Neir shel Shabbat. (Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Shabbat.) Hands are then removed from the eyes, and she looks out the candles , completing the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.
It is important to note, however, that the Shabbat candles are lit at the beginning of every other holy days, and not only on the Sabbath.

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