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Live Terminal
Culture · Full coverage

Belz Rebbe Urges Hasidic Women to Light Extra Shabbat Candle for Distant Souls

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

100% right-leaning
Right 2

By ערוץ 7

First reported by Behadrei Haredim · Aug 20, 2026

What happened

The Belz Rebbe has called on Hasidic women worldwide to light an additional Shabbat candle each week to pray for Jews distant from religious observance, aiming to inspire their return to tradition. This new practice was announced at an emergency gathering of Belz rabbis in Jerusalem and is presented as a voluntary spiritual act.

  • 01Belz Rebbe requests Hasidic women to light an extra Shabbat candle weekly for distant Jewish souls.
  • 02The directive was announced at an emergency meeting of senior Belz rabbis in Jerusalem.
  • 03The candle symbolizes prayer for Jews not observing Torah and mitzvot to return to tradition.
  • 04Historical precedent exists of previous Belz Rebbes lighting candles for Jews unaware of Shabbat.
  • 05The practice is voluntary and meant as a spiritual outreach, not an obligation.
  • 06The Rebbe emphasized the importance but acknowledged it should not be a burden.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story
People
OrganizationsBelz Hasidic Community
PlacesJerusalem

Full coverage · 2 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

Arutz ShevaRight · HebrewAug 20, 2026
Belz Rebbe Urges Hasidic Women to Light Extra Shabbat Candle for Distant Souls
Behadrei HaredimRight · HebrewAug 20, 2026
Belz Rebbe Institutes Weekly Additional Candle for Lost Souls During Shabbat Lighting

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