Did you know that it is your obligation to light a candle and say the blessing every Friday evening? The mitzvah of Shabbat candles applies to men and women equally.
The Shulchan Aruch Chapter 263 discusses who should kindle Shabbos lights. Both men and women are obligated to have a light burning in their homes on Shabbos. The Rabbi’s have traditionally charged women with greater watchfulness concerning this mitzvah because they were more frequently found at home and involved in the needs of the household, however in the modern world this is no longer the case. The Shulchan Aruch specifically mentions it is proper for the “husband” to involve himself in the preparation of the wicks and the lamps, and he should kindle lights in the other rooms where the woman does not light. It is also customary that the husband kindles the lights and recites the blessing on the first Shabbos after his wife gives birth.
Both a man and a woman who kindle a Shabbos (or Yom Tov) light are obligated to recite the following blessing before doing so: “Blessed are You G‑d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of the Shabbos” (or “…the light of the festival.)”. By observing this special tradition each and every Friday night, you will not only bask in a personal moment of inner peace, but also connect to a global community of Jewish men and women who together hold the power to bring light to the world. Light a candle for yourself; light a candle for someone that is unable to light themselves. Join us and be a light unto the nations.
Welcome to Friday Light, a campaign encouraging Jewish men and women to illuminate the world with the light of Shabbat. By observing this special tradition each and every Friday night, you will not only bask in a personal moment of inner peace, but also connect to a global community of Jewish men and women who together hold the power to bring light to the world. Join us, won’t you?
This message is brought to you Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We are part of a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn more about how your Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://www.fjmc.org/content/affiliating-fjmc.
Florida Region of FJMC serves the needs of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Get to know more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of dynamic Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at www.floridaregionfjmc.org and please visit and LIKE our Florida Region FJMC Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
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