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Short, clear answers to the questions people ask most about Shabbat and holiday candles, the blessings, and when Shabbat begins and ends. Every guide is based on sources from Chabad.org.
How to light Shabbat candlesA simple step-by-step guide to lighting Shabbat candles on Friday evening: when to light, how many candles, the blessing in Hebrew and English, and what to do after.The blessing on Shabbat candlesThe Shabbat candle lighting blessing in Hebrew, transliteration and English, what each word means, and how the blessing changes on holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.What is Shehecheyanu?Shehecheyanu is the Jewish blessing of thanks for reaching a special moment. Its text in Hebrew and English, what it means, and when it's said, including which holiday candle lightings include it.Why light Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset?Shabbat begins at sunset, so why do calendars say to light 18 minutes earlier? The reasons behind the 18-minute custom, why Jerusalem uses 40 minutes, and the earliest and latest times to light.What is Havdalah?Havdalah is the short ceremony that ends Shabbat on Saturday night, with wine, spices and a braided candle. How to do it step by step, the four blessings in Hebrew and English, and Havdalah after holidays.When does Shabbat end?Shabbat ends Saturday night at nightfall, when three stars can be seen, about 40 to 50 minutes after sunset. How the end time is calculated, the 42, 50 and 72 minute customs, and why Shabbat lasts about 25 hours.How to light holiday candlesHow to light candles on Jewish holidays (Yom Tov): first night and second night times, lighting from an existing flame, the right blessing for each holiday, Shehecheyanu, and what changes when a holiday starts Saturday night.