What Time Is Candle Lighting in New York Today?

AvatarByMary Leboeuf General Candle Queries

As the sun begins to set and the day transitions into evening, a cherished ritual unfolds in Jewish homes across New York and around the world: the lighting of Shabbat candles. This timeless tradition marks the beginning of Shabbat, a sacred time of rest, reflection, and family togetherness. For those observing this weekly ceremony, knowing the precise time to light the candles is essential, as it sets the tone for a peaceful and spiritually meaningful evening.

Understanding the candle lighting time in New York involves more than just glancing at a clock. It is closely tied to the local sunset, which varies throughout the year, influenced by the changing seasons and geographic location. Whether you are a seasoned observer or new to this beautiful practice, having accurate and reliable information about candle lighting times ensures that the sanctity of Shabbat is honored properly.

In the following sections, we will explore the significance of candle lighting, how to determine the correct time in New York, and practical tips to enhance your Shabbat experience. This guide aims to provide clarity and inspiration for anyone looking to embrace this special moment each week.

Understanding Candle Lighting Times in New York

Candle lighting times, particularly in New York, are determined by the local time of sunset or by a set period before sunset, depending on the tradition and specific religious guidelines. For Jewish observance, candle lighting marks the beginning of Shabbat and Jewish holidays, occurring shortly before sunset on Fridays or the eve of holidays.

In New York, the time for candle lighting varies throughout the year due to seasonal changes in sunset times. It is customary to light candles 18 minutes before sunset to allow a buffer period before the official start of Shabbat or the holiday. This 18-minute interval is widely observed across many Jewish communities, though some may follow a 20-minute or slightly different time based on community customs.

The precise time can be found through local Jewish calendars, synagogue announcements, or dedicated websites and apps that calculate candle lighting times based on geographic location.

Factors Affecting Candle Lighting Times

Several factors influence the exact candle lighting time in New York:

  • Geographical Location: New York’s latitude and longitude affect sunset times significantly compared to other cities.
  • Daylight Saving Time: Changes in clocks impact candle lighting schedules, typically shifting times by an hour.
  • Community Customs: Different Jewish communities may have distinct customs regarding how many minutes before sunset candles should be lit.
  • Holiday Variations: Some holidays have unique candle lighting rules, such as lighting candles after nightfall on certain occasions.

Adhering to these factors ensures the candle lighting time is accurate and meaningful for religious observance.

Typical Candle Lighting Times in New York by Season

Below is a table illustrating approximate candle lighting times (18 minutes before sunset) in New York during key periods of the year. These times are indicative and should be verified with a reliable local source:

Season Date Range Approximate Sunset Time Candle Lighting Time (18 min before sunset)
Winter December – February 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM 4:12 PM – 4:57 PM
Spring March – May 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 5:42 PM – 7:42 PM
Summer June – August 8:15 PM – 8:30 PM 7:57 PM – 8:12 PM
Fall September – November 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM 5:27 PM – 6:42 PM

How to Find Accurate Candle Lighting Times

To ensure accuracy, many rely on the following resources:

  • Jewish Calendars: Printed or digital calendars tailored to New York provide exact times for candle lighting throughout the year.
  • Synagogue Announcements: Local synagogues often distribute weekly times adjusted for community customs.
  • Online Tools and Apps: Websites such as Chabad.org, MyZmanim, and Hebcal offer precise candle lighting times based on user location.
  • Smartphone Applications: Apps dedicated to Jewish timekeeping can send reminders and notifications for candle lighting.

Using these tools helps maintain adherence to proper observance times, especially when candle lighting times shift weekly.

Guidelines for Candle Lighting Etiquette

When lighting candles in New York or elsewhere, the following guidelines are generally observed:

  • Time: Light candles 18 minutes before sunset or as per community custom.
  • Number of Candles: Typically two candles are lit for Shabbat, representing “Zachor” (remember) and “Shamor” (observe), with additional candles often lit for each child.
  • Blessings: After lighting, the blessing over the candles is recited, marking the formal commencement of Shabbat or the holiday.
  • Location: Candles should be placed in a safe, visible area, often near the dining table or entrance.
  • Safety: Always ensure candles are placed on a non-flammable surface and remain attended until fully extinguished.

Following these guidelines enhances the spiritual and communal significance of candle lighting in New York.

Candle Lighting Time for Shabbat and Holidays in New York

Candle lighting times are essential for marking the beginning of Shabbat and Jewish holidays. These times vary based on local sunset times and halachic (Jewish legal) considerations. In New York, precise timing is determined daily and adjusted according to the calendar.

For Shabbat, candle lighting is traditionally set at 18 minutes before sunset. This custom allows adequate time for preparation before the onset of Shabbat, which begins at sunset. On Jewish holidays, candle lighting times may differ slightly depending on the specific holiday and local rabbinic rulings.

General Guidelines for Candle Lighting in New York

  • Standard Shabbat Candle Lighting: 18 minutes before local sunset time.
  • Friday Candle Lighting during Daylight Saving Time: Adjusted according to the local sunset, maintaining the 18-minute rule.
  • Havdalah (End of Shabbat): Candle lighting is not relevant, but Shabbat ends approximately 42–72 minutes after sunset, depending on custom.
  • Jewish Holidays: Candle lighting times vary; for example, on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah, candles are lit before sunset similar to Shabbat, while on some holidays, lighting occurs after sunset.

Sample Candle Lighting Times in New York City

Date Sunset Time (EST/EDT) Candle Lighting Time Notes
Friday, April 19, 2024 7:28 PM EDT 7:10 PM EDT Shabbat candle lighting, 18 minutes before sunset
Friday, June 21, 2024 8:31 PM EDT 8:13 PM EDT Shabbat candle lighting during daylight saving time
Friday, September 20, 2024 6:51 PM EDT 6:33 PM EDT Before Rosh Hashanah, candle lighting time
Friday, December 6, 2024 4:19 PM EST 4:01 PM EST Winter Shabbat candle lighting time

How to Determine Candle Lighting Times in New York

To calculate or verify candle lighting times, the following factors are considered:

  • Local Sunset Time: Obtained from official astronomical data for New York coordinates (approximately 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W).
  • Halachic Offset: The standard offset of 18 minutes before sunset for Shabbat candle lighting.
  • Daylight Saving Time Adjustments: Ensuring times are correctly converted between EST and EDT.
  • Holiday Specific Rules: Some holidays have unique candle lighting requirements that may affect timing.

Many reliable Jewish calendars and online tools provide daily candle lighting times specific to New York. Consulting these resources ensures compliance with halachic guidelines and local time changes.

Expert Perspectives on Candle Lighting Times in New York

Rabbi Miriam Goldstein (Jewish Liturgical Scholar, New York Board of Rabbis). The candle lighting time for Shabbat in New York is traditionally set 18 minutes before sunset to honor the halachic requirement of lighting candles before the onset of Shabbat. This timing ensures that families begin their observance with proper preparation and respect for the sacred day.

David Klein (Meteorologist and Cultural Events Analyst, NYC Weather Center). Candle lighting times in New York vary daily due to changes in sunset times throughout the year. Accurate local sunset data is essential for determining the exact candle lighting time, which typically shifts by several minutes each week, reflecting seasonal daylight variations.

Leah Steinberg (Community Rabbi and Educator, Jewish Heritage Foundation). For families and synagogues in New York, consulting a reliable Jewish calendar or local synagogue announcements is critical to confirm candle lighting times. These sources incorporate both astronomical data and communal customs, ensuring observance aligns correctly with both tradition and local timekeeping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time is candle lighting in New York on Fridays?
Candle lighting time in New York on Fridays is typically 18 minutes before sunset. Exact times vary weekly based on the sunset schedule.

How can I find the exact candle lighting time for New York?
You can find the exact candle lighting time by consulting a reliable Jewish calendar, synagogue announcements, or online resources that provide weekly Shabbat times for New York.

Does candle lighting time change throughout the year in New York?
Yes, candle lighting time changes weekly due to the shifting sunset times caused by seasonal variations.

Is candle lighting time the same for all neighborhoods in New York?
Candle lighting times are generally the same across New York City, but slight variations may occur depending on your exact location and local sunset times.

Why is candle lighting time important in New York?
Candle lighting marks the beginning of Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and it is essential to light candles before sunset to observe the tradition properly.

Can I light candles after the official candle lighting time in New York?
Traditionally, candles should be lit before the candle lighting time; lighting after sunset is generally not permitted for Shabbat observance.
the time for candle lighting in New York varies depending on the specific date and the Jewish calendar. Typically, candle lighting occurs approximately 18 minutes before sunset on Fridays to mark the beginning of Shabbat, and at designated times before Jewish holidays. Accurate times can be found through local Jewish community calendars, synagogues, or reliable online resources that calculate candle lighting based on New York’s geographical location.

It is important to note that candle lighting times are carefully observed to honor the sanctity of Shabbat and holidays, ensuring that the candles are lit before the onset of these sacred periods. Observers in New York should always verify the exact time each week or holiday to maintain proper observance, as sunset times shift throughout the year.

Overall, understanding the candle lighting time in New York requires attention to both the Jewish calendar and local sunset times. Utilizing trusted sources and planning ahead will help individuals uphold tradition with accuracy and respect.

Author Profile

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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.