Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Observance, Marriage, Women in Judaism (4/12) Previous Document: Question 7.3: Why can't Jews use electrical appliances and motor vehicles on Shabbat? Next Document: Question 7.5: I've heard that Jews can't tear on Shabbat? Why? What is "work"? See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge Answer: In classic Halachic literature, Shabbat begins at sundown. The 18 minute custom arose for various reasons that include the following: * There is a mitzvah to add to the shabbos by beginning it early and ending it later. * Time pieces are imprecise. As a result of this, the custom developed to light candles some specific amount of time before sundown. In the United States, the 18 minute custom was almost (but not quite) universally accepted because the first printed calendars in the US were printed by Rav Henkin, and marked candle lighting 18 minutes before sundown. Most calendars in most cities in the US follow that format today. Note: While one can/should bring Shabbat in early with the lighting of candles, Shabbat begins at sundown even if candles have not been lit. For traditional Jews, at that point candle lighting would be forbidden. Note that other cities may have different customs. In Jerusalem, the custom seems to be to light candles 30 minutes before sundown. In Chicago Illinois, the custom is 20 minutes. User Contributions:Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Observance, Marriage, Women in Judaism (4/12) Previous Document: Question 7.3: Why can't Jews use electrical appliances and motor vehicles on Shabbat? Next Document: Question 7.5: I've heard that Jews can't tear on Shabbat? Why? What is "work"? Single Page [ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ] Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: SCJ FAQ Maintainer <maintainer@scjfaq.org>
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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