Growing up I was raised Orthodox, yes we lit candles and though the home was not kosher, we did follow most of the Orthodox laws. Tate passed away when I was 9, by the time I was 10 Jewry had come to a halt in my family. My mother entered the vicious world of depression, alcoholism and abuse of prescription medications. Gone nothing to bring back to the Jewish life.

I wandered around for some 48 1/2 years searching for many things. About 6-7 months ago I strongly felt the need to honor my father and mother. The only way that I thought I could do this was to rediscover my Jewish roots.

Slowly I learned a little of this and a little of that. Suddenly I was lighting Shabbos candles, I could not recall fully how to do this, but it was at least an attempt.

I am learning so much now, I have bought my first ever Tanach, transliterated Stone Edition, my first Bencher, and now today in the mail came my first ArtScroll Transliterated Siddur.

I look forward to Friday now not simply because it is the weekend. I was never the party girl, but liked to slow down. Now Friday nights are filled with love and light. I am sure that I mispronounce many of the transliterated Hebrew, that is fine with practice I will improve.

What a simcha this new journey has begun.

My husband is not Jewish but very respectful of my desire to learn more and more of my background. He stands with me as I light the candles, he does not talk while I say the prayer over the wine, nor when I say the prayer over the challah. He shares the Sabbath with me so now Friday night Shabbos has become joy and learning experience for the both of us.

Thank you feel free to share your stories with me, as well as offer tons of advice.

Paula Bonnie

My adopted mother was also white- but not Jewish. I was baptised and confirmed as a Lutheran. It would be some years before I realized what being Jewish meant.

I now embrace my Jewishness wholeheartedly although I have never yet been in a synagogue. The candlelighting has become a very special ceremony for me, however.

I was exposed to it almost by happenstance. I met an obvious Jewish Hassidic(?) man in dark clothing and wearing a beard in a supermarket parking lot. We struck up a conversation and when he discovered my mother was Jewish he informed me that I was a Jew- without doubt.

Going into the trunk of his car, he gave me some literature about lighting the candle(s) and why I should be doing it.

This whole experience has made me feel part of something special everytime I light my candle, even if that is all I know to do at this point.

Thank you for having such a wonderful website!
Shalom,
Linda in Detroit

I can’t wait until I light my first candles and I can imagine how I will feel the tie to other Jewish women world-wide who are also lighting candles that evening.

Lesley

I find it fascinating to realize that no matter where we are in the world, there are people like us, who share the same beliefs and have the same faith. We may look different and have different traditions, we all share the same history and belong to the same people. Our history of Diaspora makes it even more important that we feel close to one another. We must take interest in our respective cultures, this is the only way we can understand each other.

As you’re reading this, ask yourself if you’ve ever lit the Shabbat candles either in a different country, or following traditions that seemed unusual to you. Then take a moment and type it up. We’ll all benefit from it. Thank you and have a great 4th of July!

As a Jewish woman welcomes the Shabbat on Friday night, she creates a sacred space within her home for the Infinite Light of G-d, and the Shabbat Queen enters.

As you ignite your Shabbat flame tonight, focus on the sacred space you are creating in your home, and try to make sure there’s a matching place inside your heart. When the Shabbat Queen arrives- you want to leave all doors open! Enjoy the visit.