How

The process

The process

It starts with one light. You can add a candle for your soul mate and, if you are a mother, one for each child. A girl over the age of three may (with some help from Mom) light a candle of her own.

Begin with a clean uncluttered table on which to set your candle(s). You may use and kind of candles and candle holders that you choose. They may be scented or unscented, white or in colors.

To honor the divine spiritual connection of lighting Shabbat candles, an ancient Hebrew blessing is recited just after kindling your candles, which happens 18 minutes before sundown.

Once the candle(s) are lit, close your eyes and, with your hands gently moving above the flames, motion the warmth towards your eyes three times. Then, placing your hands over your eyes, speak the words that women across the globe have said for thousands of years.

This is the moment to pray for yourself, your loved ones, and all the world. As you uncover your eyes, feel the candle's glow seep through every cell of your being, ushering in a moment of inner peace.

Picture a million women like you lighting FridayLight candles all at the same time. Picture the peace of Shabbat radiating across the globe.

The Blessing

English:

Blessed are You, Lord, our G_d, King of the Universe, who sanctifies us with his commandments and enjoins us to light the candles of Shabbat.

Hebrew:

Boruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-no-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat Ko-desh.