One of the longest standing traditions of the Jewish people, candle lighting encompasses what is central in Judaism in the home.
Shabbat candles are candles lit on Friday evening before sunset to usher in the Jewish Sabbath. Lighting Shabbat candles is a rabbinically mandated law.
Candle lighting is traditionally done by the woman of the household, but in the absence of a woman, it is done by a man. After lighting one candle with a match then the second candle with the first-lit candle, the woman moves her hands over the candles and towards her (as if bringing in or guiding in the Sabbath); she then covers her eyes and recites a blessing.
Shabbat candlesticks always make the perfect gift for anyone's home.
The prayer for the shabbat candles is as follows:
ברוך אתה ה״ אלוהינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו להדליק נר של שבת
Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light Shabbat candle[s].
