During the holiday of Shabbat, the act of lighting candles at dinner has a special significance for most Jewish households.
According to the Torah, Shabbat (which translates from Hebrew to “he rested”) is a holiday to commemorate the day that God rested when he was creating the world. This is celebrated with rest and relaxation, with some Jews either taking the day off from work entirely or simply refraining from using technology, with a stronger emphasis on cleansing the mind and spending time with family.
Traditionally, the holiday includes three meals. Friday night dinner, Saturday lunch and a further third meal later on Saturday afternoon. Whilst the dishes on these tabletops may differ between challah, wine, soups and fish, one staple on every tabletop will be Shabbat candlesticks, which are placed in the center to illuminate the food and company.
But Why Are Candles Used To Light Shabbat Dinners?
Originally, Shabbat candles held a more practical purpose than they do now. In the Torah, Jews were forbidden from kindling fire during Shabbat commemorations, so candles were lit to see both the dinners and the partakers through the darkness. Today, however, the meaning of Shabbat candles is a little different. With the invention of electricity, people have little need to utilize candles for practical reasons, and so the underlying spiritual subtext is now front and center to their purpose.
Apart from being used to see through the darkness, candles are also a symbol of God’s divine presence. Shabbat candles are lit to remind those around the table that they are in the presence of God, and that this occasion is holy and distinct from any other normal day.
Not only this, but the candle’s flame is also lit to symbol the human soul. When Shabbat candles are lit, they remind people that there is a flame present in everyone. Just as a little light can stave off the darkness during
Shabbat, everyone has a flame inside of them which can keep them warm and their path illuminated even when hope is lost and they are living in the darkest of days.
The Flame Of A Candle Represents The Flame Of A Human Soul
The fragility of life is also harkened in the candlelight. Like the human soul, the flames of a candle will fight against the darkness, growing in strength, breathing, growing, until the light flickers and the flame eventually fades away. The Shabbat candles can present this cycle of life, allowing those in the presence of the flame to recognize and appreciate the precious fragility of life which has been given to them.
This is why there is such a strong emphasis on community and family, not only during Shabbat, but throughout all Jewish holidays. Like the flame of the candles, the religion of Judaica encourages all those who are part of the faith to keep their family close, spread kindness, joy, love, and ensure that the light inside of them continues to burn as brightly as the candles themselves.
