A Few Words on Shabbat

We light the candles on Shabbat and say the bracha "Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbat." But there is a dispute on whether we should say the bracha before we light the candles or after. However, there is a verse in the Talmud that tells us that when performing a mitzvah (good deed, commandment,) we should always say the bracha before we do the mitzvah. Does that mean on Shabbos not make an exception and say the bracha first before one lights the candles? There has been different views on this subject among Ashkenazi and Sephardic rabbis. The custom of many Sephardic communities is to say the bracha first, then light the candle.

But should you say it before you light the candle or after? What one should really be asking himself is, "When is Shabbat accepted?" Jewish law states that Shabbat begins once the lady of the house finishes lighting the candle, not after she says the Bracha. This is the reason why the lady should not shake out the candle, but instead place it down gently by the candles so that it can go out itself. Shaking out the candles would be prohibited on Shabbat and since Shabbos starts after the candles are lit, it would be prohibited to do so.

One quick note. It is not 100 percent necessary to accept Shabbat at the time of lighting the candles (we are allowed 18 full minutes after sunset until we are supposed to begin keeping the Sabbath.) However, it is most preferred way (as is mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch, Book of Jewish Laws) to begin Shabbos once the candles are lit.

Thus, it does not matter when you say the Bracha (Ashkenazim and Sephardim have different customs) but rather when one starts the Shabbat (after the candles are lit.)

I will try to write an entry about the Parsha, but may not have time. Enjoy your Shabbos!!!