Candle Lighting

Haggadah Section: Introduction

Why do we begin by lighting candles?

We light candles to represent unity with those loved ones who are no longer with us, and with their loved ones who came before them forming an unbroken chain of celebration that reaches back some 3000 years.

Candles are also lit to create a special setting, an atmosphere in which people are drawn together on a soulful level.  When we light candles we are saying this is a special event – this meal goes beyond just eating a meal together, which is a mundane, physical act.  Rather this meal is about us as humans connecting on a deeper level, which is special.

The Candles draw us to each other, and they draw us to a more spiritual place.  For some, candles also draw us closer to God as the source of that connection between us.

Candles are romantic. Traditionally, Passover marks the start of the ‘marriage’  between God and the Jewish people.  It is a romance – rocky at times – but ongoing none the less.

Lighting candles is a metaphor for teaching, and the Passover seder is all about one generation teaching the next, passing on its “light” to the next. The beautiful thing about one flame kindling another is that once the flame has been passed neither is diminished in the least but now you have that much more light.

Why is it the woman’s responsibility to light the candles?

Women are considered the prime source of emotional and spiritual light in our lives.  Having a woman light the candles then, honours this.

In traditional Judaism women are also seen as the kindlers of romance.  So women light the candles to commemorate the romance between Jews and God on every Shabbat and all other holy days, to rekindle that connection; that romance.

Lighting candles is a metaphor for teaching, and the Passover Seder is all about one generation teaching the next, passing on its “light” to the next, and beautiful thing about one flame kindling another is that once the flame has been passed neither is diminished in the least but now you have that much more light.

(light the candles)

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Yom Tov

BAH-ROOCH AH-TAH AH-DOH-NOI EH-LOH-HEH-NOO MEH-LECH HAH-OH-LAHM SHEH-HEH-CHEH-YAH-NOO VEH-KEE-YEH-MAH-NOO VEH-HEE-GHEE-AH-NOO LIZ-MAHN HAH-ZEH.

Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs44 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
20 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.