QUESTION: Why do we light Shabbos candles?

ANSWER: The Rambam (Hilchos Shabbos 5:1) writes that lighting Shabbos candles is an aspect of the mitzvah of “oneg Shabbos” (enjoying Shabbos). However, elsewhere (Hilchos Shabbos 30:5), the Rambam writes that lighting Shabbos candles is included in the obligation of “kavod Shabbos” (honoring Shabbos). The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 263:2) explains that both of these statements are correct. There is a specific obligation to light candles at the Shabbos table, to make the Shabbos meal honorable—in other words, kavod Shabbos. There is also a mitzvah to have light throughout the house, so no one stumbles and gets upset. This is a fulfillment of oneg Shabbos. The Aruch Hashulchan concludes that although we do not recite a beracha on any other Shabbos preparation, Chazal instituted that one recites a beracha on lighting candles, since it is unique in that it accomplishes both “oneg” and “kavod.”

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.