Belz Rebbe Institutes Weekly Additional Candle for Lost Souls During Shabbat Lighting

The Belz Hasidic community has introduced a historic new custom following the directive of the Belz Rebbe, who requested that an additional candle be lit every Shabbat and Jewish holiday during the lighting ceremony. This candle is dedicated to the souls of lost Jews, with the hope that they will soon return to their spiritual roots through Yiddishkeit.

The announcement was made at a special gathering on Wednesday evening at the Rebbe's residence in Kiryat Belz, attended by leading rabbis of the Belz Hasidim. The Rebbe emphasized the importance of this practice, especially urging women who are able to add the extra candle each week. The ceremony also includes prayers for children and for the lost souls to come closer under the Divine presence, with a collective aspiration for complete redemption soon.

Rabbi Peretz Friedman, speaking on behalf of the Rebbe and in the presence of other senior rabbis including Rabbi M. Reisman, explained that this new enactment is rooted in longstanding Belz traditions. Historically, on the 13th of Adar, candles were prepared for all souls, including those serving in the army and Jews scattered worldwide unaware of the sacred day. Rabbi Friedman quoted the Rebbe’s concern for these souls and stressed the spiritual power of praying for others, which brings blessings especially for their children.

The rabbis recalled the era of the previous Belz Rebbe, the Sar Shalom, when candle lighting was a time of spiritual healing and salvation. They expressed hope that this new practice will bring blessings to the entire Belz community and especially to the Rebbe himself, who they pray will soon lead them before the arrival of the Messiah. The Rebbe concluded by affirming the significance of adding the candle and encouraged those who can do so without difficulty to participate. He personally requested a candle for himself and sent one to his son, Rabbi Aharon Mordechai Rokach.