28 November 2008
Question
Why is it that women are the ones to light Shabbos candles?
Answer
Have you ever noticed that you can eat more on Friday night than on any other night of the week? Jewish mothers know this. And they don't let you forget it. There is a profound reason for this extra hunger, explained in the great kabbalistic work, the holy Zohar.
The soul is described as the candle of G-d, for the soul was sent to this world to bring light. On Friday evening, the Shechina - the feminine aspect of the divine - descends to light up our souls and give them the light and warmth they need to be able to illuminate the world.
So while the light of our soul may have dimmed during the week, it is given increased energy and brightness on Shabbos. Our souls vibrate on a higher frequency on Friday nights, we are more alive and spiritually open. This even translates into a healthier appetite - our soul is hungrier and so is our body.
When a woman lights Shabbos candles, she is emulating the Shechina, G-d's feminine presence. Just as she lights her candles, so the Shechina is lighting her candles, the souls of Israel. And so, the Zohar says, a woman should light candles with joy and deep intention, for at that moment she reflects her divine source, and she too lights up the world.
