When
Light 18 minutes before sunset on Friday, before Shabbat begins.
Shabbat Guide
How to Light Shabbat Candles
A simple guide to welcoming Shabbat with light, peace, and holiness.
Who
Jewish women and girls traditionally light. If no woman is present, a man should light.
How many
Many light two candles. Some add an additional candle for each child.
Basic steps
1
Place the candles
Place the candles in a safe place.
2
Light before the time
Light the candles before the listed candle lighting time.
3
Cover your eyes
Cover your eyes.
4
Say the blessing
Recite the blessing.
5
Welcome Shabbat
Uncover your eyes and welcome Shabbat.
The blessing
Hebrew
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ
Transliteration
Baruch Atah A-donai Elo-heinu Melech Ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat kodesh.
English
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.