Why do we cover our eyes when reciting the blessing on the Shabbat candles?

Normally, the blessing is recited before the performance of a mitzvah, but here we light the candle and only afterwards recite the blessing. This is because once the blessing is recited Shabbat has been ushered in, and lighting the candle would be forbidden. For this reason, we cover our eyes immediately after lighting to recite the blessing. Thus, our first enjoyment of the Shabbat light -- and the fulfillment of the mitzvah -- occurs after the blessing.

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August 25, 2012

Thanks,Rabbi Posner!

Anonymous
Milan, Iyaly

August 24, 2012

To Anonymous, Milan, Italy

During havdalah we look at our fingernails in the light of the fire in order to "benefit" from the fire. We look at the nails specifically because Adam and Eve were originally covered in a suit made of a material similar to the fingernail. Looking at our nails reminds us of how Adam and Eve discovered fire after having been expelled from the Garden of Eden.

Rabbi Menachem Posner

August 22, 2012

Looking at our fingernails is only done during havdala, not kiddush.

Malkie Janowski for Chabad.org
Coral Springs

August 22, 2012

Yes, but where did these rituals (looking at fingernails and waving the hands) originate from?

Anonymous
Milan, Italy

August 18, 2012

Shabbat Candles

On Friday night when we light Shabbat candles, do we cup our hands also and look at our fingernails, or is only done at Havdala

Bill Berkowitz
Trumbull, Ct

January 8, 2012

But why do some women wave their hands in a somehow circular kind of motion?

Anonymous

October 20, 2011

candle lighting on festivals

If the reason for covering the eyes is that written here, does this mean one does not need to cover the eyes on a festival which does not fall on shabbat, that in fact one can say the blessing and then light?

Anonymous
Haifa

October 20, 2009

Covering our eyes

Hi! Please see the text above for a response to your question.

Chani Benjaminson, chabad.org

October 19, 2009

Candle Lighting

Why do the eyes need to be covered to recite the blessing?

Bobbie Kirk
Montgomery, TX