How to Light Shabbat Candles

LIGHT YOUR CANDLE

Until marriage, women and

girls light one candle.

Post-marriage, women light (at least) two candles, adding one for her husband*

COVER YOUR EYES

Move your hands in a gentle circular motion over the candles, inward and towards your face, then cover

your eyes

RECITE THE BLESSING

Bo-ruch a-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ho-olom
a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-sov ve-tzi-vo-nu
le-had-lik ner shel Shabbat ko-desh.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ

"Blessed are You, L-rd, our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctifies us with His commandments and enjoins us to light the candles of the Holy Shabbat"

*Some add an additional candle for each child: e.g., a woman with three children lights five candles.