Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat, September 4, 2026, Announced

The times for lighting Shabbat candles and the end of Shabbat for Friday, September 4, 2026, have been announced for major Israeli cities. In Jerusalem, candles will be lit at 6:19 PM and Shabbat will end at 7:35 PM. Tel Aviv will see candle lighting at 6:41 PM, with Shabbat concluding at 7:37 PM. Haifa's times are 6:31 PM for lighting and 7:37 PM for the end of Shabbat. Beersheba residents can light candles at 6:40 PM, and Shabbat will end at 7:36 PM. Eilat's times are 6:39 PM for candle lighting and 7:34 PM for the end of Shabbat.

This week's Torah portion, "Nitzavim-Vayelech," recounts Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He convenes the nation to renew their covenant with God, warning against idolatry and the illusion of impunity for sin. Moses foretells that apostasy will lead to desolation, exile, and scattering among nations. However, he also prophesies that repentance will bring God's return, the "circumcision of the heart," and the restoration of blessings and prosperity to the land.

Moses calls upon heaven and earth to witness the choice between life and good, or death and evil. He informs the people that God has forbidden him from crossing the Jordan River. He then encourages the nation and his successor, Joshua bin Nun, to be strong and courageous. Moses records the Torah and entrusts it to the Levites and elders, commanding it to be read aloud to all Israel every seven years during Sukkot.

The portion concludes by discussing future breaches of the covenant, leading to the concealment of God's presence. Despite this, the Torah will remain an eternal legacy for the people, never to be forgotten.