Blessing the Shabbat Lights

Mark Podwal (b. 1945)
Digitial archival pigment print on paper
7 7/16 x 7 9/16″
USA, 2020
© Mark Podwal

The two candles lit on Shabbat eve symbolize the biblical commandments, zakhor v’shamor, “remember” and “observe” the Shabbat (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12). It is customary to light two single-wick white candles, although any candles can be used as long as they burn for two to three hours. Candles must be lit before Shabbat’s official starting time, generally eighteen minutes before sunset. According to the sages, if a poor person has to choose between lighting the Shabbat lamps and consecrating the Shabbat over wine, the former takes precedence. According to the kabbalists (mystics), the lighting of Shabbat candles is a special moment when petitions are answered in heaven. Thus arose the tradition of women reciting personal prayers when lighting Shabbat candles.  

When a commandment is performed requiring a blessing, first the blessing is recited and then the act performed. However, kindling the Shabbat candles follows a different practice. Since the blessing marks the beginning of Shabbat and lighting a fire on Shabbat is prohibited, first the candles are lit and then the blessing is recited. Many Sephardic Jews overlook these concerns and first recite the blessing and afterwards light the candles.  

A Sabbath lamp similar to the one depicted in both the woodcut and Podwal’s interpretation can be seen nearby. Podwal enhances the original design by adding grape clusters to the cups used for sanctifying the Sabbath wine. Similar cups can be seen in the nearby installation of related objects.