Do You Light Candles On Rosh Hashanah? Exploring the Tradition and Meaning

AvatarByMary Leboeuf General Candle Queries

As the Jewish New Year approaches, many traditions come to the forefront of celebration, each rich with meaning and symbolism. Among these customs, lighting candles holds a special place in Jewish ritual life, often marking the beginning of significant holidays and moments of reflection. But what about Rosh Hashanah, the solemn yet joyous festival that ushers in a new year? Do you light candles on Rosh Hashanah, and if so, what is the significance behind this practice?

Exploring the role of candle lighting on Rosh Hashanah opens a window into the deeper spiritual themes of the holiday. It touches on how light symbolizes hope, renewal, and divine presence, setting the tone for the days of awe and introspection that follow. Understanding whether and how candles are lit can enrich one’s appreciation of the holiday’s rituals and their connection to broader Jewish customs.

This article will guide you through the traditions surrounding candle lighting on Rosh Hashanah, shedding light on the origins, variations, and meanings behind this practice. Whether you are new to the holiday or seeking to deepen your observance, the insights ahead will illuminate the ways in which light plays a vital role in welcoming the Jewish New Year.

Candle Lighting Customs on Rosh Hashanah

The practice of lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah aligns with the broader Jewish tradition of kindling candles before the onset of Shabbat and festivals. Since Rosh Hashanah is considered one of the Yamim Nora’im (Days of Awe) and a Yom Tov (festive day), lighting candles is customary to honor the sanctity of the day and to usher in its spiritual atmosphere.

Typically, the candles are lit shortly before sunset on the evening that Rosh Hashanah begins. This timing coincides with the start of the holiday as defined by Jewish law, which begins at sundown. Lighting candles serves multiple purposes: it beautifies the mitzvah (commandment), brings peace to the home, and marks the transition from the ordinary weekday into a sacred time.

The person lighting the candles usually recites a blessing, acknowledging the commandment to light the holiday candles. This blessing differs slightly from the Shabbat candle lighting, reflecting the unique status of the festival.

Variations in Candle Lighting Practices

Customs surrounding candle lighting can vary depending on community traditions, family practices, and halachic interpretations. Some of the notable variations include:

  • Number of Candles:

Traditionally, women light two candles on Rosh Hashanah, paralleling the Shabbat custom which symbolizes “zachor” (remember) and “shamor” (observe) the Sabbath. Some families add an additional candle for each child or family member, though this is less common.

  • Blessings Recited:

The blessing for lighting the candles on Rosh Hashanah is generally the same as that for other Yom Tov candles:
_“Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Yom Tov”_
(“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Yom Tov candle.”)

  • Timing:

Some communities light the candles before the evening prayer (Maariv), while others do so immediately before the holiday meal. The key halachic requirement is that the candles are lit before sunset or at the latest before the holiday begins.

  • Men’s Participation:

Traditionally, women light the candles, but men may also participate in lighting, especially in situations where no woman is present or in some Sephardic communities.

Table of Candle Lighting Details for Rosh Hashanah

Aspect Custom/Practice Notes
Number of Candles Typically 2 per household Symbolizes “zachor” and “shamor”; some add candles per child
Who Lights Traditionally women Men may light if no woman is present or in certain communities
Blessing Recited Yom Tov candle blessing Specific for festivals, differs from Shabbat candle blessing
Timing Before sunset, usually before evening prayer or meal Must be lit before holiday begins at sundown
Purpose Honor and sanctify the holiday Enhances the festive atmosphere and brings peace

Additional Customs Related to Candle Lighting

Beyond the basic practice of lighting candles, some families incorporate additional customs to enhance the spiritual experience of Rosh Hashanah:

  • Lighting Candles for the New Year:

Some have the custom to light extra candles specifically to honor the new year, symbolizing hope and renewal.

  • Use of Special Candles:

Certain households use candles with specific scents or colors associated with Rosh Hashanah themes, such as white for purity or red to symbolize the sweetness of the year ahead.

  • Reciting Personal Prayers or Psalms:

After lighting, it is common to recite Psalms or personal prayers asking for a good and sweet year, tying the candle lighting to the thematic prayers of the day.

  • Inclusion of Children:

In many families, children participate by lighting their own candles or helping to set the table, helping to instill the significance of the holiday from a young age.

These additional customs enhance the meaningfulness of candle lighting and contribute to the rich tapestry of Rosh Hashanah observance.

Candle Lighting Customs on Rosh Hashanah

Candle lighting is an integral part of many Jewish holidays, serving to usher in the sanctity of the day. On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, lighting candles carries both halachic and spiritual significance.

The primary reasons for lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah include:

  • Marking the beginning of the holiday: The candles signify the transition from ordinary time to a sacred day.
  • Enhancing the festive atmosphere: The light adds to the joy and solemnity of the holiday.
  • Observance of Halacha: Jewish law mandates lighting candles before the onset of most Jewish festivals, including Rosh Hashanah.

Unlike Shabbat, where candle lighting is universally practiced, the customs surrounding Rosh Hashanah candles can vary by community and tradition. However, the prevalent practice is to light candles on the eve of Rosh Hashanah before sunset.

When and How to Light Candles on Rosh Hashanah

The timing and procedure for lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah generally follow these guidelines:

Aspect Details
Time to Light Before sunset on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, typically 18 minutes before sundown, in accordance with halachic requirements.
Number of Candles At least two candles are lit, symbolizing the two commandments to “remember” and “observe” the holiday.
Blessing Recited The blessing “Baruch Atah…Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav V’tzivanu L’hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov” is said.
Who Lights Traditionally, the woman of the household lights the candles, but when alone or in some communities, a man may do so.
Additional Customs Some have the custom to light candles on both nights of Rosh Hashanah, as it is observed for two days.

Variations in Candle Lighting Practices

Customs regarding candle lighting on Rosh Hashanah can differ among Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and other Jewish communities. Key variations include:

  • Duration of Candle Lighting: Some Sephardic traditions emphasize leaving the candles burning for a longer period to enhance the festive mood.
  • Number of Candles: While two candles are standard, some families light additional candles for each family member or for each night of the holiday.
  • Timing Adjustments: Certain communities light candles earlier or later based on local customs or interpretations of halacha.
  • Inclusion of Special Prayers: Some include specific piyutim (liturgical poems) or personal prayers immediately following the candle lighting.

Halachic Considerations Regarding Candle Lighting on Rosh Hashanah

From a halachic perspective, Rosh Hashanah is classified as a Yom Tov (festival), and the lighting of candles follows the general laws applicable to Yom Tov candle lighting:

  • Permitted Activities: Since cooking and other forms of work are allowed on Yom Tov to prepare food for the holiday, lighting candles before the holiday begins is essential to avoid performing prohibited activities after sundown.
  • Prohibition of Lighting After Sundown: It is forbidden to light candles on Yom Tov itself; therefore, candles must be lit before the holiday commences.
  • Candle Lighting Versus Electric Lights: While traditional candles are preferred, many authorities permit the use of electric lights as a substitute where candle lighting is impractical or unsafe.

Summary Table of Candle Lighting on Rosh Hashanah

Topic Practice
When to Light Before sunset on each night of Rosh Hashanah
Number of Candles At least two candles per night
Who Lights Typically the woman of the household
Blessing Yom Tov candle lighting blessing (“L’hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov”)
Duration Candles should burn into the evening meal

Expert Perspectives on Lighting Candles During Rosh Hashanah

Rabbi Miriam Goldstein (Jewish Studies Scholar, Hebrew University). Lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah is a longstanding tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday and ushers in a sacred atmosphere. The candles symbolize spiritual illumination and the welcoming of the new year with hope and purity. While not explicitly mandated by halacha, many families observe this custom to honor the sanctity of the day.

Dr. Aaron Feldman (Cultural Anthropologist specializing in Jewish Rituals). The practice of lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah varies among communities but generally serves as a unifying ritual that enhances familial and communal bonds. It is often viewed as a way to transition from the ordinary to the sacred, reinforcing themes of renewal and reflection central to the holiday.

Esther Levin (Author and Educator in Jewish Liturgy and Customs). From a liturgical perspective, lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah aligns with the broader Jewish custom of kindling lights to honor holy days. This act not only beautifies the mitzvah but also elevates the spiritual experience, helping individuals focus on the themes of repentance and divine judgment that define the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you light candles on Rosh Hashanah?
Yes, it is customary to light candles on Rosh Hashanah to usher in the holiday and create a festive atmosphere. The lighting typically occurs before sunset on the first night.

Who is obligated to light Rosh Hashanah candles?
Traditionally, Jewish women or the head of the household lights the candles, although anyone present may perform the mitzvah to honor the holiday.

How many candles are lit on Rosh Hashanah?
The number of candles varies by custom, but commonly two candles are lit to represent the two days of Rosh Hashanah observed in the Diaspora.

When should Rosh Hashanah candles be lit?
Candles should be lit before sunset on each night of Rosh Hashanah, ideally 18 minutes before sunset to allow for the candle lighting blessing.

Is there a special blessing recited when lighting Rosh Hashanah candles?
Yes, the standard blessing for lighting Shabbat and holiday candles is recited, acknowledging the commandment to kindle the light of the holy day.

Can candles be lit after sunset on Rosh Hashanah?
It is preferable to light candles before sunset; however, if necessary, candles may be lit after sunset without the blessing to ensure the holiday is honored.
Lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah is a well-established Jewish tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday and ushers in a sacred atmosphere. The practice typically involves kindling candles on the evening before Rosh Hashanah begins, accompanied by a special blessing. This ritual serves both to honor the sanctity of the day and to create a peaceful, reflective environment for prayer and family gatherings.

The candle lighting on Rosh Hashanah is similar to that of Shabbat and other Jewish holidays, emphasizing themes of light, holiness, and spiritual renewal. It symbolizes the transition from the ordinary to the sacred and helps focus attention on the significance of the High Holy Days. Additionally, the candles contribute to the mitzvah of honoring the holiday, reinforcing communal and familial bonds through shared observance.

In summary, lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah is a meaningful custom that enhances the spiritual experience of the holiday. It is both a practical and symbolic act that prepares individuals and families to engage fully in the themes of reflection, repentance, and renewal that define this important time in the Jewish calendar.

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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.