Introduction to Shabbat Candles

The lighting of Shabbat candles (Shabbos candles in Ashkenazi communities) has a significant place in Jewish tradition. The primary purpose of lighting these candles is to illuminate the home, symbolizing the start of the holy day, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable meal for family and guests. The article aims to explore the minimum duration for which Shabbat candles should stay lit, adhering to both halacha (Jewish law) and tradition.

Halachic and Practical Considerations

Lighting Purpose and Timing

In the context of Shabbat, the lighting of candles serves to bring light to the home as a precaution against injury and to enhance the festive atmosphere. Halachically, it is essential that the light from the candles remains on at least until it is dark enough to definitively mark the beginning of Shabbat, which typically occurs about an hour after sunset. If no one is home at the time of sunset, the candles must stay lit until someone returns. It is ideally preferable for the candles to remain burning until the evening meal (Shabbos dinner), but this is not a strict requirement.

Modern Practices and Custom

With the advent of electric lights, there is a debate about the necessity of using candles. From a purely halachic perspective, electric lights can replace candles for illuminating the home during Shabbat. However, the custom of lighting candles persists, often driven by a desire to connect with tradition and the historical context of the Shabbat observance. If one chooses to light candles, the blessing over the candles is recited, whereas if electric lights are used, the blessing over electric lights is said.

Customary Practices and Durations

Setting the Time

The traditional custom is to light the Shabbat candles around 20 minutes before sunset, allowing the light to remain on for about three hours, from the beginning of Shabbat until bedtime. Most Shabbat candles will last this long or longer, and it is generally recommended that they stay lit until at least the start of Kiddush, which is the blessing recited over wine at the beginning of the Shabbat meal.

Minimum Duration

While there is no official minimum time for which Shabbat candles must be lit, a commonly accepted duration is at least 30 minutes. After this point, however, the candles should be allowed to burn down completely on their own and cannot be extinguished by hand to maintain the symbolic purity and sanctity of the Shabbat light.

Conclusion

Shabbat candles serve as a timeless symbol of Jewish tradition and family unity. Whether lit for 30 minutes or several hours, their role in illuminating the home and enhancing the Shabbat experience cannot be overstated. This tradition, balanced between halacha and custom, ensures that the spirit of Shabbat is preserved and celebrated by generations.