Lighting Shabbat Candles
How to light the candles before Shabbat and Holidays.
Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov, a rabbinic scholar, lecturer and author, is director of Chabad Lubavitch in Wimbledon, UK.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (1948–2020) was a global religious leader, philosopher, award-winning author, and respected moral voice. He was the laureate of the 2016 Templeton Prize in recognition of his “exceptional contributions to affirming life’s spiritual dimension.” Described by HM King Charles III as “a light unto this nation” and by former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair as “an intellectual giant,” Rabbi Sacks was a frequent and sought-after contributor to radio, television, and the press, both in Britain and around the world. He served as Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth for 22 years, between 1991 and 2013. To read more writings and teachings by Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, please visit www.rabbisacks.org.
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I'm a Jew married to my non-Jewish wife. We say the barucha over Sabbath candles, but it is me (the husband) doing the mitzvah. No daughters or other female Jews. Us only.
I wish to keep the tradition alive in our family since Mom passed recently.
May I? Should I?
While the mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles is usually done by the women of the house, it is not something that can only be done by a woman.
In your situation you certainly can and should light the candles and say the blessing.
I am certain that you will be bringing great nachas to your mother in doing so!