THE LIGHT BEYOND THE LIGHT — THE SECRET OF SHABBAT CANDLES

THE LIGHT BEYOND THE LIGHT — THE SECRET OF SHABBAT CANDLES

Why

do we light two small Shabbat candles when our dining rooms are already

brilliantly illuminated by chandeliers and electric lights? What are those

little flames actually illuminating? In this morning’s Breakfast and a Class,

we began with this simple question and discovered an extraordinary world hidden

within one of our most familiar mitzvot. Drawing upon the Gemara, the Ben Ish

Hai, the Zohar, and the teachings of the Arizal, we explored the deeper meaning

of the two candles, Zachor

and Shamor,

the relationship between husband and wife, and the mysterious Sukkat Shalom—the

canopy of Divine peace that descends upon the Jewish home as Shabbat begins. We