Candle Lighting Times

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What are "Candle Lighting Times"?

It is considered a great mitzvah and responsibility to honor the Sabbath by lighting candles 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. This unique commandment, entrusted to the Jewish woman, is rich with meaning and purpose. In a world so full of darkness the candles lit by Jewish women and girls bring light, joy and holiness. A little light, our sages say, dispels much darkness.It is very important to know the exact candle-lighting time, because we are not allowed, under any circumstances, to kindle these lights after sunset.

Married women should light at least two candles, corresponding to the two commandments of 'Remember the Sabbath' (Exodus 20,8) and 'Observe the Sabbath' (Deuteronomy 5,12) but single women, and even young girls, light only one (in deference to their mothers).