Shabbat Candle Lighting Times and Weekly Torah Portion Explained
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
The article details Shabbat candle lighting times for November 6-7 in Israel and diaspora cities. It also offers a commentary on the weekly Torah portion "Chayei Sarah," exploring themes of acceptance, divine purpose, and resilience through biblical figures and rabbinic teachings. The tradition of lighting Shabbat candles, a mitzvah for women, is explained, including the blessing recited.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shabbat candle lighting and extinguishing times are provided for November 6-7 in Israeli and diaspora cities.
- The weekly Torah portion "Chayei Sarah" is interpreted through the lens of acceptance and divine purpose.
- Biblical figures Sarah and Esther are compared to illustrate resilience and fulfilling one's destiny.
- Rabbinic teachings emphasize that events, even tragic ones, can serve a greater good.
- The tradition of Shabbat candle lighting, a mitzvah for women, is described with its associated blessing.
The article provides the specific times for Shabbat candle lighting and extinguishing on November 6-7 in various Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and others, as well as in several diaspora cities like Moscow, London, and New York. It also delves into the weekly Torah portion, "Chayei Sarah" (Sarah's Life), offering a commentary on its themes of acceptance, divine providence, and understanding one's purpose.
The commentary draws parallels between the biblical matriarch Sarah, who waited 90 years for her son Isaac and lived a full 127 years, and Queen Esther, who ruled 127 countries. It suggests that Sarah's long wait and eventual fulfillment, despite hardships, and Esther's transformation from a reluctant captive to a decisive savior, both illustrate the importance of accepting one's circumstances and fulfilling one's destiny, even when faced with danger or adversity.
Further interpretations are offered through the teachings of Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Chaim ben Attar (Or ha-Chaim), and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. These interpretations emphasize that events, even tragic ones, can be divinely orchestrated for a greater good or a more meaningful end. The example of a woman dying during a joyous Torah scroll dedication ceremony is used to illustrate how death can occur at a moment of spiritual elevation, thereby increasing the merit of those involved.
The article also discusses the power of words and the importance of gradually preparing individuals for difficult news, citing the contrasting ways Abraham and Sarah received news about Isaac. It highlights a core principle of Hasidism: that everything that happens is not accidental and ultimately serves a positive purpose.
Finally, the piece details the Jewish tradition of Shabbat candle lighting, considered a significant mitzvah (commandment) for women. It explains the practice, which typically occurs 20 minutes before sunset, with specific timings for Jerusalem. The ritual involves lighting at least two candles, often more for each child, which should burn for at least an hour and a half. The article includes the blessing recited before lighting the Shabbat candles.
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