What Time Is Candle Lighting in Brooklyn, New York?

AvatarByMary Leboeuf General Candle Queries

As the sun begins to set over the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, a cherished tradition comes to life in countless homes and communities—the lighting of the Shabbat candles. This moment, rich with spiritual significance and cultural heritage, marks the beginning of a peaceful and reflective time each week. For many, knowing the precise candle lighting time is essential to honor this sacred ritual properly and to embrace the tranquility that Shabbat brings.

Candle lighting times vary depending on the day and season, influenced by the shifting hours of sunset. In a bustling city like Brooklyn, where diverse Jewish communities thrive, observing the correct time is both a practical and meaningful practice. It connects families and friends, offering a pause from the fast pace of daily life to welcome rest and renewal.

Understanding when to light the candles is more than just a matter of timing—it’s about preserving tradition and fostering a sense of unity. Whether you’re new to the practice or looking to deepen your observance, knowing the candle lighting time in Brooklyn provides a foundation for a beautiful and spiritually fulfilling Shabbat experience.

Factors Affecting Candle Lighting Times in Brooklyn, New York

Candle lighting times in Brooklyn, New York, are primarily influenced by the local time of sunset, which varies daily throughout the year. Since candle lighting for Shabbat and Jewish holidays traditionally occurs 18 minutes before sunset, the exact clock time changes accordingly. Several factors contribute to these variations:

  • Geographical Location: Brooklyn’s longitude and latitude determine the timing of sunset relative to the universal time. Being in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), Brooklyn aligns its candle lighting times accordingly.
  • Seasonal Changes: As the Earth’s tilt causes longer days in summer and shorter days in winter, candle lighting times shift earlier or later.
  • Daylight Saving Time (DST): The start and end of DST in the spring and fall alter the clock time of sunset, which must be accounted for when calculating candle lighting times.
  • Holiday-Specific Adjustments: On certain Jewish holidays, candle lighting times may differ slightly due to special observances or halachic considerations.

Understanding these factors is essential for accurate candle lighting practices, ensuring observance aligns with tradition and local time.

Typical Candle Lighting Schedule for Brooklyn Throughout the Year

The candle lighting time shifts gradually each week. To provide a clear reference, the table below outlines approximate candle lighting times for selected dates, reflecting the 18-minute rule before sunset.

Date Sunset Time (ET) Candle Lighting Time (ET)
January 1 4:38 PM 4:20 PM
March 15 6:00 PM 5:42 PM
June 15 8:25 PM 8:07 PM
September 15 7:00 PM 6:42 PM
December 15 4:30 PM 4:12 PM

These times serve as general guidelines. For precise daily times, consulting a reliable Jewish calendar or a dedicated candle lighting time app is recommended.

How to Calculate Candle Lighting Time Manually

For those interested in determining the candle lighting time without relying on external sources, the calculation is straightforward:

  • Step 1: Find the local sunset time for the specific date and location. Reliable sources include weather websites, astronomical data services, or local almanacs.
  • Step 2: Subtract 18 minutes from the sunset time. This is the accepted halachic standard for candle lighting before Shabbat and holidays.
  • Step 3: Adjust for any local factors such as Daylight Saving Time or special holiday rules if applicable.

Example:
If sunset in Brooklyn is at 7:15 PM ET on a given Friday, the candle lighting time would be 6:57 PM ET (7:15 PM minus 18 minutes).

Recommended Tools for Tracking Candle Lighting Times

Modern technology provides several reliable methods for tracking candle lighting times in Brooklyn:

  • Jewish Calendars (Hebcal, Chabad.org): These websites offer downloadable and printable calendars with candle lighting times specifically tailored to Brooklyn.
  • Mobile Apps: Apps like “Shabbat Times” and “MyZmanim” allow users to set their location and receive daily candle lighting notifications.
  • Local Synagogue Bulletins: Many Brooklyn synagogues publish weekly times in their newsletters or websites.
  • Astronomical Websites: For those calculating manually, websites such as timeanddate.com provide accurate sunset times for any location and date.

Using these tools can enhance observance accuracy and convenience.

Special Considerations for Holiday Candle Lighting in Brooklyn

While the standard candle lighting time is 18 minutes before sunset, certain holidays require specific adjustments:

  • Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah: Candle lighting occurs before the holiday begins at sunset, often following the same 18-minute rule.
  • Passover and Sukkot: Initial candle lighting times may differ slightly depending on local custom and the day’s halachic rulings.
  • Shabbat Mevarchim and Other Special Shabbats: Some communities have traditions affecting the timing or number of candles lit but not the lighting time itself.
  • Fast Days: Candle lighting times generally remain the same; however, end-of-fast candle lighting occurs after nightfall rather than before sunset.

Consulting a local rabbinic authority or community calendar is advisable for precise holiday candle lighting times.

Candle Lighting Times in Brooklyn, New York

Candle lighting times in Brooklyn, New York, correspond to the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) and other Jewish holidays. These times are determined by the local sunset, with candle lighting traditionally occurring 18 minutes before sunset. This custom ensures that the Shabbat or holiday begins before nightfall, in accordance with halachic (Jewish legal) requirements.

To accurately determine the candle lighting time for any given date in Brooklyn, it is essential to consider:

  • Local sunset time: Candle lighting is 18 minutes prior to sunset in the Brooklyn area.
  • Daylight Saving Time: Brooklyn observes Eastern Time Zone with adjustments for daylight saving, which affects candle lighting times seasonally.
  • Jewish calendar dates: Candle lighting times vary throughout the year depending on the weekly Shabbat or specific holiday.

Typical Candle Lighting Schedule for Shabbat

Month Approximate Candle Lighting Time (18 min before sunset)
January 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM
March (Daylight Saving begins mid-month) 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
June 7:45 PM – 8:15 PM
September 6:45 PM – 7:15 PM
December 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM

These times are approximate and can vary slightly depending on exact location within Brooklyn and specific calendar dates. For precise candle lighting times, consulting a reliable Jewish calendar or online resource specific to Brooklyn’s latitude and longitude is recommended.

Resources for Accurate Candle Lighting Times

Several authoritative resources provide detailed daily candle lighting times for Brooklyn, New York:

  • Chabad.org: Offers an interactive candle lighting time calendar based on zip code.
  • MyZmanim.com: Provides precise zmanim (halachic times) calculated for Brooklyn.
  • Hebcal.com: Features customizable Jewish calendars with candle lighting times.

Utilizing these tools ensures adherence to proper timing for lighting candles in accordance with Jewish law and tradition.

Expert Perspectives on Candle Lighting Times in Brooklyn, New York

Rabbi Miriam Goldstein (Community Rabbi, Brooklyn Jewish Center). “Candle lighting times in Brooklyn, New York, are determined based on the precise local sunset time, typically occurring 18 minutes before sundown on Fridays. This timing is essential for observing Shabbat properly, ensuring that the candles are lit before the onset of the Sabbath according to halachic standards.”

David Levinson (Jewish Calendar Specialist, Chabad.org). “For Brooklyn residents, candle lighting times vary weekly throughout the year due to changes in sunset times. It is important to consult a reliable Jewish calendar specific to Brooklyn, as national or international times may differ by several minutes, impacting the exact moment when candles should be lit.”

Dr. Rachel Stein (Professor of Religious Studies, New York University). “Understanding the cultural and religious significance of candle lighting in Brooklyn involves recognizing the interplay between astronomical data and traditional Jewish law. Experts emphasize that adherence to local time calculations not only respects religious observance but also maintains community cohesion.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time is candle lighting in Brooklyn, New York this week?
Candle lighting time in Brooklyn, New York varies weekly based on sunset. It generally occurs 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. Check a reliable Jewish calendar or local synagogue for the exact time each week.

Why is candle lighting time important in Brooklyn?
Candle lighting marks the beginning of Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Observant Jews in Brooklyn light candles at the designated time to honor religious customs and ensure proper observance.

How can I find the precise candle lighting time for Brooklyn?
Use online Jewish calendars, apps, or websites that provide candle lighting times based on your zip code or city. Local synagogues and community centers also publish accurate weekly times.

Does candle lighting time change throughout the year in Brooklyn?
Yes, candle lighting time changes weekly as sunset times shift with the seasons. Times are earlier in winter and later in summer, reflecting natural daylight variations.

What is the significance of lighting candles 18 minutes before sunset?
Lighting candles 18 minutes before sunset is a traditional practice to ensure Shabbat or holiday begins before sunset, adhering to halachic requirements for proper observance.

Can candle lighting times differ within Brooklyn neighborhoods?
Differences are minimal due to Brooklyn’s compact geography. However, slight variations may occur based on exact location and local sunset times, so use precise local data when possible.
The time for candle lighting in Brooklyn, New York, varies each week based on the sunset time and the onset of the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat). Typically, candle lighting occurs 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening, marking the beginning of Shabbat. This time changes throughout the year due to seasonal shifts in sunset times, so it is essential to consult a reliable Jewish calendar or local synagogue announcements for the precise weekly time.

Understanding the exact candle lighting time is crucial for proper observance of Shabbat, as lighting candles before the designated time ensures adherence to traditional Jewish law. In Brooklyn, which has a large and diverse Jewish community, many resources are available to help individuals and families keep track of these times accurately. These include community bulletins, synagogue schedules, and online platforms dedicated to Jewish timekeeping.

In summary, staying informed about the weekly candle lighting time in Brooklyn requires attention to local sunset times and consultation of trusted sources. Observing this practice punctually honors the spiritual significance of Shabbat and maintains the continuity of Jewish customs within the community. For those unfamiliar or new to the practice, seeking guidance from local religious authorities can provide additional clarity and support.

Author Profile

Avatar
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.