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.)”
Welcome to Friday Light, a campaign encouraging Jewish men 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 moment of Jewish Learning is brought to you by the Florida Region of the FJMC. We serve the needs of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods across the State of Florida from the Panhandle to Miami. Our mission is to involve Jewish Men in Jewish Life by fostering fellowship and camaraderie between Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods in the Florida Region, inspiring interest and involvement in Jewish worship, Jewish studies, Tikkun Olam and ensuring the success of new and existing leaders of our Florida Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods.
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