sabbath

The Significance of Fire in Judaism

The Significance of Fire in Judaism

This excerpt notes the universally recognized power of fire, as well as its particular significance in Jewish ritual, such as

Mother’s Prayer for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Upon Lighting Shabbat Candles

Mother’s Prayer for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Upon Lighting Shabbat Candles

This short English prayer is recited by a mother prior to blessing the candles on the Shabbat celebrating her son/daughter’s

Candle Lighting as a Spiritual Union

Candle Lighting as a Spiritual Union

This piece provides a mystical explanation of the Shabbat candle lighting ritual, applying ancient Kabbalistic concepts in a way that

The Sabbath as a Journey Through the Worlds   

The Sabbath as a Journey Through the Worlds   

In this piece, the author describes Shabbat as a holistic experience, beginning with the lighting of the Shabbat candles. She

A Reconstructionist Reflection Before Lighting Shabbat Candles

A Reconstructionist Reflection Before Lighting Shabbat Candles

This short reflection, recited prior to light Shabbat candles, is written by Jewish-American poet, Marge Piercy, and appears in the

Mayim Bialik: How Many Shabbat Candles Does a Divorced Woman Light?

Mayim Bialik: How Many Shabbat Candles Does a Divorced Woman Light?

In this article, actor and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik shares her personal experiences of motherhood and divorce in relation to lighting

Schindler’s List: The Vanishing Shabbat Light

Schindler’s List: The Vanishing Shabbat Light

This video is the opening scene of Steven Spielberg’s much hailed film, “Schindler’s List.” Shabbat candles are lit in the

Fiddler on the Roof: A Sabbath Prayer

Fiddler on the Roof: A Sabbath Prayer

This video is a clip from the 1971 film, Fiddler on the Roof, where Tevye and his family gather to