Do you say the blessing before or after lighting Shabbat candles?

Why the question arises

A blessing over a mitzvah is normally said before performing it. But with Shabbat candles, saying the blessing accepts Shabbat, after which lighting would be forbidden. The Rema therefore records the custom to light, cover the eyes, bless and then look at the flames – the enjoyment of the light, which is the essence of the mitzvah, comes after the blessing.

The Sephardi practice

The Shulchan Aruch quotes the view that one blesses before lighting, and many Sephardi women do so, not intending to accept Shabbat with the blessing itself. Some Sephardim follow the Ashkenazi custom. Follow your family tradition.

How many candles

At least two – for “remember” and “keep” the Sabbath day. Many add one for each child. The blessing: “Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Shabbat.”

When to light

Candles are lit before sunset, at the time printed in the local calendar – usually 18 minutes before sunset, 40 in Jerusalem, 20 or 30 in some other communities. Lighting after sunset is forbidden; if one is late, it is better not to light than to violate Shabbat. Our Shabbat times show the lighting time for your city.

Who lights

The mitzvah belongs to the whole household, and the woman of the house usually lights. A man living alone, or a husband when his wife is away, lights and says the blessing himself. Girls in many families light their own candle from a young age. The candles are lit where the meal will be eaten, so that their light is enjoyed.

Prayers after lighting

After the blessing many women pause for a personal prayer – for their family, children and health – a moment that tradition sees as especially receptive.