QUESTION: How many Shabbos candles should one light?

ANSWER: There are numerous customs regarding the number of candles. The minimum obligation is to light at least one candle that will last until dark. (There is also an obligation to have light in every room that will be used; however this is generally accomplished by leaving on electric lights.) The prevalent custom is to light at least two candles as an allusion to Zachor and Shamor (the positive and negative commandments of Shabbos). Some have a custom to light seven candles corresponding to the days of the week or ten candles corresponding to the Ten Commandments (Mishna Berura 263:6 quoting the Magen Avrohom). Another common custom is to light candles corresponding to the number of members in one’s family. However, a guest at someone else’s home will often light only two candles.

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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.