How to Light Candles on Rosh Hashanah

The celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is a time of transition and sacredness. And what better way to mark this occasion than by lighting candles? Here's everything you need to know about lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah.

The Symbolism of Lighting Candles

Lighting candles (hadlakat nerot) is a symbolic act that signifies the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. While Jewish law only requires one candle to be lit, many people choose to light two candles. It is also common to light an additional candle for each member of the household. This act represents the transition to sacred time.

Lighting Candles on the First Night

On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, when it's not Shabbat, candles are typically lit in one's home eighteen minutes before sunset. The candles are lit first, followed by the recitation of a special blessing. The blessing goes as follows:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְו‍ֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב

This translates to:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the world, who sanctifies us with mitzvot and commands us to kindle the lights of Shabbat and the festival.

After the candle blessing, the Shehechiyanu blessing is recited. This blessing is said whenever one performs a mitzvah for the first time in a while. On Rosh Hashanah, this blessing is recited to mark the lighting of candles for the new year.

When Rosh Hashanah Falls on Shabbat

When the first night of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, both holidays are celebrated by lighting candles. The blessing for both holidays is recited, and there are slight variations between the Sephardi and Ashkenazi versions. Here is the Sephardi version:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְו‍ֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת וְיוֹם טוֹב

This translates to:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the world, who sanctifies us with mitzvot and commands us to kindle the lights of Shabbat and the festival.

The Ashkenazi version is similar but adds the word "shel" (meaning "of"):

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְו‍ֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב

This translates to:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the world, who sanctifies us with mitzvot and commands us to kindle the lights of Shabbat and of the festival.

As with the first night, the Shehechiyanu blessing is recited since the Rosh Hashanah candles are being lit for the first time that year.

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Lighting Candles on the Second Night

It is customary to light candles on the second night of Rosh Hashanah as well. The procedure is the same, except instead of lighting from a match or lighter, it is traditional to light from a pre-existing flame. This is why many people light a yahrzeit candle before lighting their first night Rosh Hashanah candles. By transferring the flame using an extra candle, you avoid violating Rosh Hashanah's work prohibition.

If the second night of Rosh Hashanah falls on a Saturday night, the candles are lit after Shabbat ends. Otherwise, they are lit before sundown.

On the second night, it is also customary to taste a fruit that you haven't had in a while. This fruit provides an opportunity to say the Shehechiyanu blessing again, as it symbolizes new experiences. Place the fruit next to the candles, light the candles, recite the blessing for the candles, and then say the Shehechiyanu blessing. You can taste the fruit after the candle lighting when you have your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah?
A: Lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah symbolizes the transition to sacred time and the beginning of the Jewish new year.

Q: How many candles should I light on Rosh Hashanah?
A: Jewish law requires at least one candle to be lit, but it is common to light two candles. Some people also light an additional candle for each member of the household.

Q: What blessings are recited when lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah?
A: The blessings recited when lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah are the blessing for the candles and the Shehechiyanu blessing.

Q: Can I light candles on the second night of Rosh Hashanah?
A: Yes, it is traditional to light candles on both the first and second nights of Rosh Hashanah.

Q: How should I light candles on the second night of Rosh Hashanah?
A: The procedure for lighting candles on the second night is the same as the first night, except you should transfer the flame from an existing candle rather than using a match or lighter.

Lighting candles on Rosh Hashanah is a beautiful and meaningful tradition. By following these rituals, you can bring light and blessings to the start of the Jewish new year. To learn more about the High Holidays, sign up for a special High Holiday prep email series.