Shabbat Candle Lighting Times and Weekly Torah Portion 'Toldot'
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
This article details Shabbat candle lighting times for November 13-14 in Israel and globally, and explores the weekly Torah portion 'Toldot.' It emphasizes tzedakah (charity) as a divinely promised method for increasing wealth, citing the Lubavitcher Rebbe and businessman Lev Leviev. The piece also outlines the ritual and spiritual significance of lighting Shabbat candles, traditionally performed by women.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shabbat candle lighting and conclusion times are provided for November 13-14 across Israel and major global cities.
- The weekly Torah portion 'Toldot' discusses wealth and divine blessing through the practice of tzedakah (charity).
- Giving a tithe (10%) of earnings to tzedakah is presented as a divinely guaranteed method for increasing wealth.
- Businessman Lev Leviev attributes his success to consistently donating at least 10% of his income to charity.
- Lighting Shabbat candles is a significant mitzvah (commandment) for Jewish women, bringing peace and blessings.
- The Lubavitcher Rebbe suggested increasing tzedakah contributions to 15% in contemporary times.
The article provides the precise times for Shabbat candle lighting and its conclusion on November 13-14 in various Israeli cities and several diaspora locations, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kyiv, Minsk, Prague, Berlin, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Melbourne. It then delves into the weekly Torah portion, 'Toldot,' focusing on the concept of wealth and divine blessing. The central theme is the Jewish tradition of giving 'tzedakah' (charity), specifically a tithe, as a divinely ordained method for increasing one's wealth. The text explains that setting aside 10% of earnings for charity is presented as a way to ensure continued prosperity, citing a promise from the Torah where Isaac reaped a hundredfold harvest after sowing. It contrasts this with the uncertainty of secular investments, especially in light of events like the COVID-19 pandemic. The article quotes the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, suggesting an increase to 15% for tzedakah in modern times, and addresses the internal struggle between the 'animal soul' that desires to keep wealth and the 'divine soul' that understands the principle of giving. It acknowledges the difficulty of parting with hard-earned money, even when it's for a good cause, and highlights that tzedakah is meant to be given anonymously. The article further emphasizes that giving tzedakah is not just a charitable act but a strategic investment in one's relationship with God, who guarantees a return. It includes an anecdote about Lev Leviev, an Israeli businessman who attributes his success to consistently giving at least 10% of his earnings to charity. Finally, the piece details the religious significance and practice of lighting Shabbat candles, traditionally performed by women about 20 minutes before sunset, with specific timings for Jerusalem. It explains the blessings and customs associated with candle lighting, emphasizing its role in bringing peace and blessings to the home and family, as described in the Zohar.
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