Add Light!

Looking at this week’s horrific events in Israel and the tragic loss of life, catastrophic injuries and the unknown whereabouts and condition of the many hostages taken by the terrorists, many of us wonder what we can personally do to help the situation. One thing we can all do is to take our own positive step to increase the light in a world where there is presently so much darkness. We encourage you all to add light later today by lighting Shabbat candles.

How apropos, that in this week’s Torah portion, Bereshith, God said, “let there be light and there was light” (Genesis1:3).

Shabbat has been called an “oasis in time.” This heavenly gift, “Divine Therapy,” if you will, is a unique opportunity for spiritual and psychological renewal that comes every week–and it’s free! Contemporary observers often speak of the need for “quality time.” Shabbat teaches that there cannot be quality time without quantity time. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) states that Shabbat was God’s precious and guarded treasure, which was given to the Jews as a gift. It was His day of rest, which He shared with the Jewish people. Shabbat was the day to be dedicated to building a relationship with the Divine and reconnecting with the spiritual world after a week of toiling in the physical world.

The burning Shabbat candles, often placed on or near the dining room table, ensure Shalom Bayit, peace in the home, for Shabbat evening. Even today, in rooms filled with electric light, there is a special soothing feeling when watching the flickering flames of the candles cast playful shadows as they add a glow of sanctity to the Shabbat setting.

Click here to find the correct candle lighting time in your area.

Click here for NJOP’s Guide to Lighting Shabbat Candles, for instructions and the appropriate blessings to recite once you light.

To access our other Spirituality at Your Fingertips Guides to Shabbat, click below:

Sanctifying Shabbat: A Guide To Kiddush and Ha’mo’tzee

Enjoying Shabbat: A Guide To The Shabbat Meals

Leaving Shabbat: A Guide to Havdallah and Post-Shabbat

Amidst the darkness, we can add light. Join millions of Jews around the world who will be lighting Shabbat candles later today.

Add light and wish everyone you know Shabbat Shalom!