Shabbat Candle Lighting Times and Weekly Torah Portion 'Bereishit'

The article provides the precise times for Shabbat candle lighting and departure on October 9-10 in various Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba, as well as in diaspora locations such as Moscow, London, New York, and Melbourne. It then delves into the weekly Torah portion 'Bereishit,' which describes the creation of the world. The portion highlights the commandment 'Be fruitful and multiply,' given to Adam and Eve immediately after their creation and later repeated to Noah. The text explores theological interpretations of this repeated commandment, referencing Ramban's explanation of it as a blessing to Adam and Eve and a command to Noah. It also discusses Immanuel Kant's concept of the categorical imperative and questions the logic of repeating such a command within a system where divine instructions are paramount.

Further analysis draws from the Babylonian Talmud's tractate 'Yevamot,' which debates the fulfillment of the 'Be fruitful and multiply' commandment. It presents differing opinions from the schools of Shammai and Hillel regarding the number of children required to fulfill the mitzvah, with Shammai's school suggesting two sons and Hillel's requiring a son and a daughter. Rabbi Yehoshua's view is also introduced, stating that the obligation continues even if a spouse dies and remarriage occurs in old age, leading to the rabbinic conclusion that men are obligated to procreate as long as they are able, provided it is not dangerous to their spouse.

Rabbi Yehoshua explains this ongoing obligation by suggesting it's due to the uncertainty of a child's future, including potential early death or disabilities that could prevent them from having offspring. However, other sages question this reasoning, arguing against worrying about future misfortunes and emphasizing that fulfilling the commandment is the parents' duty, with the rest being God's concern. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, is cited as viewing the commandment as a continuation of creation, with humans responsible for sustaining the world through procreation. Each child is seen as a unique individual with a specific purpose, and thus, the commandment applies to Noah and every subsequent generation, emphasizing that each new person added to the world is akin to creating a new world, underscoring the profound importance of this mitzvah.

The article also details the practice of Shabbat candle lighting, considered a significant mitzvah for Jewish women, typically performed about 20 minutes before sunset. Special consideration is given to Jerusalem, where candles are lit 40 minutes prior due to its sanctity. The 'Zohar' is quoted, linking joyful candle lighting to bringing peace to the home, deserving righteous children, and longevity. The practice involves lighting at least two candles, often with additional candles for each child, and they must burn for at least an hour and a half. The blessing for lighting Shabbat candles is provided in both Hebrew and transliteration.