Shabbat Candle Lighting Times and Torah Portion for September 18, 2026

On Friday, September 18, 2026, observant Jews will light Shabbat candles at specific times across Israel, marking the start of the Sabbath. In Jerusalem, candles will be lit at 6:01 PM, with the Sabbath ending at 7:16 PM. Tel Aviv follows with candle lighting at 6:23 PM and the Sabbath ending at 7:19 PM. In Haifa, candles are lit at 6:12 PM and the Sabbath concludes at 7:17 PM. Beersheba's times are 6:24 PM for lighting and 7:17 PM for the end of the Sabbath, while Eilat's are 6:12 PM and 7:17 PM, respectively.

This week's Torah portion is "Ha'azinu," a poetic address by Moses. In this portion, Moses calls upon heaven and earth to bear witness to his words, praising God as a "Rock" whose works are perfect and whose ways are just. He contrasts God's greatness and faithfulness with the Israelites' ingratitude for His blessings. Moses urges the people to remember past events and learn from their elders about God's care, likening His protection to an eagle guarding its young.

The portion details how God provided Israel with abundance, but the people, sated and hardened, turned away from their Creator to serve idols. This angered God, who decided to hide His face and bring afflictions, famine, pestilence, and enemy attacks upon them. God states He did not completely destroy Israel so that enemies would not claim victory through their own might. The song concludes with God's promise of vengeance against enemies, cleansing of His land, and salvation for His servants.

Following the song, Moses commands the Israelites to commit his words to heart and teach their children to observe the Torah. On the same day, God instructs Moses to ascend Mount Nevo in the land of Moab to view the land of Canaan, where he is to die, mirroring the death of his brother Aaron on Mount Hor due to their lack of faith at the waters of Meribah.