The Complete Guide to Hadlokas Neiros
The Bracha, Text & Creating a Beautiful Shabbos Candle-Lighting Station
Every Friday evening, Jewish homes around the world are transformed by the warm glow of Shabbos candles. The mitzvah of Hadlokas Neiros (הדלקת נרות) marks the beginning of Shabbos, bringing peace, warmth, and holiness into the home before the week's busiest moments give way to rest.
Whether you're searching for the Hadlokas Neiros text, looking for a beautiful Hadlokas Neiros plaque, or creating your own dedicated candle-lighting station, this guide answers the most common questions while offering inspiration for making this timeless mitzvah both meaningful and beautiful.
Shop the Complete Hadlokas Neiros Collection
What Is Hadlokas Neiros?
Hadlokas Neiros is the mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles before sunset each Friday. For generations, Jewish women have welcomed Shabbos by kindling the candles, reciting the bracha, and taking a quiet moment to pray for their families.
The light of the candles represents much more than illumination. Chazal teach that lighting Shabbos candles brings Shalom Bayis (peace in the home), honors the holiness of Shabbos (Kavod Shabbos), and enhances the enjoyment of the day (Oneg Shabbos). Before electricity, the candles also provided practical light for the Friday night meal, allowing families to enjoy Shabbos together.
Today, this weekly mitzvah remains one of the most cherished Jewish traditions, passed from generation to generation.
The Hadlokas Neiros Bracha & Text
One of the most searched questions is "What is the Hadlokas Neiros text?"
Before welcoming Shabbos, the candles are lit and the traditional bracha is recited.
Hebrew
ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוקינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו להדליק נר של שבת.
Transliteration
Baruch Atah Hashem, Elokeinu Melech Ha'olam, Asher Kid'shanu B'mitzvosav V'tzivanu L'hadlik Ner Shel Shabbos.
English Translation
"Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Shabbos."
Many women also recite the Yehi Ratzon after lighting the candles, offering personal prayers for health, happiness, peace, and success for their families. Customs vary between Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Chabad, and other communities, so it's always best to follow your family's tradition.
Instead of searching for a siddur each Friday afternoon, many families choose to display the blessing on a beautifully designed Hadlokas Neiros plaque that's always within reach.
View Our Hadlokas Neiros Plaques
When Do You Light Shabbos Candles?
Shabbos candles must be lit before sunset on Friday afternoon. In many communities, the custom is to light 18 minutes before sunset, while some locations have different established customs.
Because candle-lighting times change every week and vary by location, it's important to check your local Jewish calendar for the correct time.
Once the candles are lit and the bracha is recited, Shabbos has begun.
Common Questions About Lighting the Neiros
How many candles do you light?
The traditional custom is to light two candles, representing the mitzvos of Zachor ("Remember") and Shamor ("Observe") the Shabbos.
Many families also have the custom of adding one additional candle for each child.
Why do we cover our eyes?
After lighting the candles, many women cover their eyes before reciting the bracha. This allows the blessing to be said before benefiting from the light while still accepting Shabbos in the proper order.
What if I forget to light?
If you accidentally forget to light the candles, the halachic details depend on the circumstances. Since every situation is unique, it's best to consult your rabbi for guidance.
Hadlokas Neiros Plaque vs. Hadlokas Neiros Card
Both a Hadlokas Neiros card and a Hadlokas Neiros plaque include the candle-lighting bracha, but each serves a different purpose.
| Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hadlokas Neiros Card | Travel, bridal gifts, or keeping in a siddur |
| Tabletop Plaque | Weekly candle lighting at home |
| Wall Plaque | A permanent, elegant display near your candle-lighting area |
A card is convenient and portable, while a plaque is designed to become part of your home. Keeping the bracha beautifully displayed means it's always ready when Shabbos arrives.
Creating a Beautiful Candle-Lighting Station
More families today are creating a dedicated space for Shabbos candle lighting—keeping everything organized in one beautiful location rather than gathering items from different drawers each week.
A complete candle-lighting station may include:
-
Candlesticks or tea light holders
-
A Hadlokas Neiros plaque
-
A match holder
-
A Tzedakah box
-
A holder for used matches
-
Fresh flowers
-
A decorative tray
Choosing the Right Hadlokas Neiros Plaque
When selecting a plaque for your home, look for:
-
Easy-to-read Hebrew text with clear typography
-
Premium materials that complement your décor
-
Personalization in Hebrew or English
-
A timeless design you'll enjoy displaying every week
A beautifully crafted plaque isn't just practical—it's something you'll use every Friday for years to come.
A Thoughtful Gift That Will Be Used Every Week
Because Shabbos comes every week, a Hadlokas Neiros plaque or candle-lighting set is a gift that becomes part of a family's regular routine.
They're especially meaningful for:
-
Weddings
-
Bridal showers
-
Housewarming gifts
-
Bat Mitzvahs
-
Anniversaries
-
Holiday gifts
Personalization makes the gift even more memorable, creating a keepsake that can be treasured for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hadlokas Neiros?
Hadlokas Neiros is the mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles before sunset each Friday to welcome the holiness of Shabbos.
What do you say when lighting Shabbos candles?
The traditional bracha beginning with Baruch Atah Hashem, Elokeinu Melech Ha'olam... is recited after lighting the candles, according to the accepted custom.
Where can I find the Hadlokas Neiros text?
You'll find the bracha in most siddurim, on printed Hadlokas Neiros cards, and on decorative plaques designed for weekly use.
What is the difference between a Hadlokas Neiros card and a plaque?
A card is portable and ideal for travel, while a plaque is meant to remain beautifully displayed in your home for easy weekly use.
Where should I place a Hadlokas Neiros plaque?
Most families display it near their candle-lighting area so the bracha is easy to read before welcoming Shabbos.
Bring Beauty to Your Shabbos Tradition
The mitzvah of Hadlokas Neiros is one of the most beautiful moments of every week. By creating a dedicated candle-lighting space with thoughtfully designed Judaica, you can make that moment even more meaningful.
From elegant Hadlokas Neiros plaques and beautifully organized Classic 2.0 Hadlokas Neiros Trays to candlesticks, match holders, and Tzedakah boxes, every piece is designed to help transform your Friday afternoon preparations into a tradition you'll look forward to each week.
