Why do we begin by lighting candles?

We light candles to represent unity with those loved ones who are no longer with us, and with their loved ones who came before them forming an unbroken chain of celebration that reaches back some 3000 years.

Candles are also lit to create a special setting, an atmosphere in which people are drawn together on a soulful level.  When we light candles we are saying this is a special event – this meal goes beyond just eating a meal together, which is a mundane, physical act.  Rather this meal is about us as humans connecting on a deeper level, which is special.

The Candles draw us to each other, and they draw us to a more spiritual place.  For some, candles also draw us closer to God as the source of that connection between us.

Candles are romantic. Traditionally, Passover marks the start of the ‘marriage’  between God and the Jewish people.  It is a romance – rocky at times – but ongoing none the less.

Lighting candles is a metaphor for teaching, and the Passover seder is all about one generation teaching the next, passing on its “light” to the next. The beautiful thing about one flame kindling another is that once the flame has been passed neither is diminished in the least but now you have that much more light.

Why is it the woman’s responsibility to light the candles?

Women are considered the prime source of emotional and spiritual light in our lives.  Having a woman light the candles then, honours this.

In traditional Judaism women are also seen as the kindlers of romance.  So women light the candles to commemorate the romance between Jews and God on every Shabbat and all other holy days, to rekindle that connection; that romance.

Lighting candles is a metaphor for teaching, and the Passover Seder is all about one generation teaching the next, passing on its “light” to the next, and beautiful thing about one flame kindling another is that once the flame has been passed neither is diminished in the least but now you have that much more light.

(light the candles)

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Yom Tov

BAH-ROOCH AH-TAH AH-DOH-NOI EH-LOH-HEH-NOO MEH-LECH HAH-OH-LAHM SHEH-HEH-CHEH-YAH-NOO VEH-KEE-YEH-MAH-NOO VEH-HEE-GHEE-AH-NOO LIZ-MAHN HAH-ZEH.

Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.


haggadah Section: Introduction