Do You Light Candles On Passover? Understanding the Tradition and Its Meaning

As one of the most significant and widely observed Jewish holidays, Passover is rich with meaningful traditions and rituals that have been passed down through generations. Among these customs, lighting candles holds a special place in many Jewish celebrations, symbolizing warmth, sanctity, and the ushering in of sacred time. However, when it comes to Passover, questions often arise about the role and timing of candle lighting, reflecting the unique nature of this festival.

Understanding whether and how candles are lit on Passover opens a window into the deeper spiritual and practical aspects of the holiday. It touches on themes of remembrance, family unity, and the observance of mitzvot (commandments) that define the Passover experience. Exploring this topic not only sheds light on a specific ritual but also enhances appreciation for the holiday’s broader significance.

In the following discussion, we will delve into the customs surrounding candle lighting during Passover, examining traditional practices and the reasons behind them. Whether you are preparing for your first Passover or looking to deepen your knowledge, this overview will provide valuable insights into one of the festival’s most evocative symbols.

Candle Lighting Customs During Passover

Lighting candles on Passover is an established tradition rooted in Jewish law and custom, primarily associated with the onset of the holiday rather than throughout its entirety. The primary moment for candle lighting occurs on the eve of Passover, coinciding with the beginning of the first Seder night. This act serves to honor the holiday, usher in the sanctity of the day, and fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of enhancing the holiday’s joy and holiness.

Typically, women in the household light the candles shortly before sunset on the first night (and second night in the Diaspora) of Passover. The lighting marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred time of the festival. The candles are placed in a safe location and lit with a blessing recited immediately afterward.

After the initial lighting on the first night(s), candle lighting is not a prescribed ritual for the subsequent days of Passover. However, many families continue to light candles in the evenings to maintain a festive atmosphere, although this practice is customary rather than obligatory.

Key Considerations for Lighting Candles on Passover

When lighting candles on Passover, several halachic (Jewish legal) considerations come into play:

Timing: Candles should be lit before sunset, ideally 18 minutes prior to nightfall, to avoid lighting on Shabbat or Yom Tov (festival day) itself.
Number of Candles: Customarily, two candles are lit to represent the dual commandments of “Zachor” (remember) and “Shamor” (observe) the Sabbath and festivals.
Blessing: The blessing recited is the standard one for candle lighting on Shabbat and festivals:

“Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Yom Tov.”

Safety: Candles must be placed in a secure holder away from flammable materials, and it is important to ensure they burn long enough to cover the initial part of the holiday.
Extinguishing: Unlike Havdalah candles on Saturday night, Passover candles are generally left to burn out on their own.

Lighting Candles on Passover Compared to Shabbat

Although both Passover and Shabbat involve candle lighting, there are distinctions in purpose, timing, and customs:

Aspect	Shabbat Candle Lighting	Passover Candle Lighting
Timing	18 minutes before sunset on Friday	18 minutes before sunset on first (and second) night(s) of Passover
Number of Candles	At least two (one for each mitzvah: Zachor and Shamor)	Typically two, but can vary by custom
Blessing Recited	Blessing for Shabbat candles	Blessing for Yom Tov candles
Purpose	To honor and sanctify Shabbat	To honor the festival and usher in the holiday
Additional Candles	No candle lighting after Friday night	Generally no obligation to light after the first night(s)

Special Candle Lighting Practices in Different Communities

Customs surrounding candle lighting on Passover can vary widely based on community traditions and interpretations of Jewish law.

Ashkenazi Practice: Typically emphasizes lighting two candles on the first night(s) of Passover, with women reciting the blessing.
Sephardic Practice: Some Sephardic communities may light additional candles or include specific prayers, such as the “Hallel” or special Psalms.
Chassidic Customs: Certain Chassidic groups have unique minhagim (customs) related to candle lighting, sometimes involving the lighting of candles on each night of the Seder.
Yemenite Tradition: May include lighting additional candles or oil lamps, emphasizing continuity of light throughout the festival.

It is advisable to consult local rabbinic authority or community leaders to observe the customs specific to one’s heritage.

Summary of Candle Lighting Practices on Passover

To clarify the common practices:

Candle lighting is an integral part of welcoming the festival on the first night(s).
The blessing for Yom Tov candles distinguishes it from Shabbat candle lighting.
Lighting after the initial night(s) is optional and based on family or community custom.
Proper timing, number of candles, and safety are critical components of observance.

This understanding helps maintain the sanctity and joy of Passover while respecting the diverse traditions within the Jewish community.

Customs Regarding Lighting Candles on Passover

Lighting candles during Jewish holidays is a well-established tradition that serves both ritualistic and practical purposes. On Passover (Pesach), the lighting of candles follows specific guidelines, reflecting the sanctity of the holiday and the unique observances associated with it.

Generally, candles are lit on Passover in a manner similar to other Jewish holidays, but with some distinctions due to the holiday’s particular laws and customs.

When Candles Are Lit on Passover

Erev Pesach (Passover Eve): Candles are lit before the onset of the first Seder night to usher in the holiday and sanctify the home.
First and Second Nights of Passover: In communities that observe two seders, candles are lit both evenings.
Subsequent Festival Days: Candles are also lit before the other full festival days of Passover, such as the last two days in the Diaspora or the seventh day in Israel.

Purpose and Significance

The lighting of candles on Passover serves several purposes:

Sanctification: The candles mark the beginning of the holy day, symbolizing the transition from ordinary time to sacred time.
Peace and Warmth: The lights bring a sense of peace (shalom bayit) and hospitality to the home, enhancing the atmosphere of the Seder night.
Practical Illumination: Before the widespread use of electric lighting, candles provided necessary illumination for the Seder and holiday meals.

Halachic Considerations for Candle Lighting on Passover

Aspect	Details
Timing	Candles must be lit before sunset, marking the start of the holiday.
Number of Candles	At least two candles are lit, corresponding to the dual commandments of “zachor” (remember) and “shamor” (observe) regarding Shabbat and holidays.
Who Lights	Traditionally, the woman of the household lights the candles, reciting the blessing before lighting.
Blessings	The blessing for lighting holiday candles (Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov) is recited, differing from the Shabbat candle blessing.
Use of Electric Lights	Opinions vary; some authorities permit electric lights as a substitute, while others require actual flame candles for fulfillment of the mitzvah.

Special Candle Lighting Practices on Passover

Some communities have additional customs related to candle lighting on Passover, including:

Lighting Candles for Yom Tov Chol Hamoed: Although Chol Hamoed (intermediate days) are semi-festive, candle lighting is generally limited to full festival days.
Havdalah Candle: At the conclusion of Passover, a special multi-wicked Havdalah candle is lit to mark the separation between Yom Tov and regular weekdays.
Removal of Chametz: Although not a candle-lighting custom, the removal of chametz (leavened bread) often occurs before candle lighting on Passover eve.

Summary Table of Candle Lighting on Passover

Expert Perspectives on Lighting Candles During Passover

Rabbi Miriam Goldstein (Jewish Studies Scholar, Hebrew University). “Lighting candles on Passover is a well-established tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday, specifically on the first two nights. This practice honors the sanctity of the festival and prepares the home for the Seder meal. While the candles are not directly related to the Passover story itself, they symbolize the ushering in of holiness and family unity during this sacred time.”

Dr. Aaron Feldman (Religious Historian, Jewish Cultural Institute). “Historically, the lighting of candles on Passover evolved as part of the broader Jewish custom of welcoming Shabbat and festivals with light. On Passover, candle lighting serves both a ritualistic and practical purpose: it creates an atmosphere conducive to the observance of the Seder and helps fulfill the mitzvah of honoring the holiday. It is customary for women to light the candles shortly before sunset on the first night or first two nights in the Diaspora.”

Esther Klein (Author and Educator on Jewish Rituals). “From a practical standpoint, lighting candles on Passover is essential for setting the tone of the Seder and enhancing the spiritual experience. The candles are lit before the meal to signify the transition from ordinary time to sacred time. This act also aligns with the halachic requirement to bring light into the home during festivals, symbolizing enlightenment and freedom, which are central themes of Passover.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you light candles on Passover?
Yes, it is customary to light candles on Passover, specifically before the start of the Seder on the first two nights. This practice marks the beginning of the holiday and brings a festive atmosphere to the home.

When should Passover candles be lit?
Passover candles are typically lit 18 minutes before sunset on the first two nights of the holiday, prior to the Seder meal. Women traditionally perform this mitzvah, although men may also light.

How many candles are lit on Passover?
The standard custom is to light at least two candles on each of the first two nights of Passover. Some families light additional candles for each child or family member, but two is the minimum.

Are there any blessings recited when lighting Passover candles?
Yes, the blessing “Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov” (to light the festival candle) is recited when lighting Passover candles. This blessing acknowledges the sanctity of the holiday.

Is candle lighting required on the intermediate days of Passover?
No, candle lighting is only required on the first two nights of Passover. The intermediate days, known as Chol Hamoed, do not require lighting candles for the holiday.

Can electric lights be used instead of candles on Passover?
Traditional Jewish law requires actual flame candles for the mitzvah of lighting holiday lights. Electric lights are generally not accepted as a substitute for the Passover candle lighting.
Lighting candles on Passover is a traditional practice observed by many Jewish families, primarily to honor the sanctity of the holiday and to fulfill the mitzvah of welcoming the festival. The candle lighting typically occurs on the eve of Passover, before the start of the Seder meal, symbolizing the transition from ordinary time to a sacred period of remembrance and celebration. This ritual not only enhances the ambiance but also helps to create a spiritually focused environment for the observance of Passover.

It is important to note that the number of candles and the specific customs surrounding their lighting can vary among different communities and families. Generally, at least two candles are lit, representing the dual commandments of “zachor” (remember) and “shamor” (observe) related to the Sabbath and festivals. The lighting is often accompanied by a blessing, emphasizing the holiness of the day and the significance of the Passover holiday in Jewish tradition.

In summary, lighting candles on Passover serves both a symbolic and practical role in the celebration. It marks the beginning of the festival, helps to establish a sacred atmosphere, and connects participants to centuries of Jewish heritage. Understanding this practice enriches the observance of Passover and highlights the importance of ritual in

Author Profile

Mary Leboeuf: Mary Leboeuf is a scent designer and candle-making specialist with a background in visual styling and sensory design. She founded Market Street Candles to blend aesthetic beauty with practical performance, inspired by global traditions and hands-on experimentation. Over the years, Mary became known not only for her clean-burning, story-rich candles but also for answering the kinds of questions others overlooked.

Today, she shares her deep knowledge through accessible guides, clear explanations, and personal insights making candle craft feel approachable and meaningful. Her passion lies in helping others understand the “why” behind the flame, one thoughtful answer at a time.

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Occasion	Number of Candles	Who Lights	Blessing Recited	Notes
First Night of Passover	2 or more	Woman of the household	Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov	Before the Seder, candles usher in the holiday
Second Night (in Diaspora)	2 or more	Woman of the household	Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov	Same as first night, for the second seder
Subsequent Festival Days	2 or more	Woman of the household	Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov	Before Yom Tov days during Passover
Chol Hamoed (Intermediate Days)	None or minimal	N/A	No blessing	Generally no candle lighting required