Can Shabbat candles be reused?

Havdalah is a Jewish ceremony that marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and ushers in a new week. (Some sources say six wicks represents the six days of the work week.) Unlike Shabbat or Hanukkah, when the candles burn out fully, you can reuse a Havdalah candle from week to week.

Can you light more than two Shabbat candles?

It is traditional to light two candles, but in some homes an additional candle is lit for each child. The lighting of Shabbat candles has a dual purpose: To “honor Shabbat” (כבוד שבת) and create shalom bayit or domestic peace (שלום בית).

How long are Shabbat candles supposed to burn?

approximately 3 hours
These classically designed candles burn for approximately 3 hours to last through your celebration while still allowing you to go to sleep at night without worries. Even those with sensitive nostrils can bask in the warm glow of these unscented tapers.

Can I light Shabbat candles after sunset?

You may not light after sunset (or after whatever time the entire community starts Shabbat if they start Shabbat before sunset). NOTE: If a woman lights candles after sunset, she not only violates Shabbat but she must light one extra candle on every subsequent Shabbat for the rest of her life.

Can I light Shabbat candles early?

It is customary for Shabbat candles to be lit approximately 20 minutes before sundown on Friday evening, although it is permissible to light them even earlier. This is often done during the summer, when the days are long. The candles may no longer be lit once the sun has set.

Why does the Havdalah candle have multiple wicks?

The Havdalah candle must have multiple wicks — or more than one candle’s wick joined together —because the blessing itself is in the plural. The candle, or fire, represents the first work of the new week.

How are Shabbat times determined?

According to halakha (Jewish religious law), Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. Shabbat is ushered in by lighting candles and reciting a blessing. Shabbat is closed Saturday evening with a havdalah blessing.

What is the earliest you can start Shabbat?

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 263:4) writes that one may light candles and accept Shabbos starting at plag hamincha, which is one and a quarter sha’os zmaniyos (halachic hours) before nighttime.

How many wicks should a Havdalah candle have?

There are at least 2 wicks in a Havdalah candle, and they have to be close enough to almost but not quite touch. In short, you have a torch, a sturdy light for the working week. In contrast, the lights on Sabbath Eve (Friday night) are individual candles: beautiful to look at, but not as functionally useful as a torch.