By Rabbi Alicia Magal
As Friday evening approaches and the week begins to wind down, Jews around the world kindle the Shabbat lights, marking the transition from ordinary time to sacred time. That simple act transforms the atmosphere of a home and prepares the heart to welcome Shabbat. We now also light candles in the synagoague as a congregation to help make that transition from the week into sacred time.
The origins of candle lighting date back to ancient times. Practically speaking, candles provided light for the Shabbat meal, ensuring that the evening could be enjoyed in peace and comfort. Over the centuries, however, this mitzvah (commandment) came to symbolize something even deeper. The candles represent the light of holiness, peace, and spiritual renewal that Shabbat brings into our lives.
Jewish tradition teaches that Shabbat is not merely a day off from work. It is a gift, a weekly opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what matters most. The candles signal that the rush of the week is ending and a different kind of time is beginning, a time for family, community, prayer, study, rest, and gratitude.
After lighting the candles, it is traditional to cover the eyes while reciting the blessing. Many women make three circles with their hands, bringing the light from the candles into our minds and hearts, and in some way, bringing all those we love with us as we sweep our hands from the light toward ourselves. One explanation is that we avoid enjoying the light until after the mitzvah has been completed with the blessing. Spiritually, however, the gesture offers something more profound. Covering our eyes creates a moment of stillness and reflection. We take a breath, let go of the week’s concerns, and set our intention for the sacred hours ahead. When the hands are lowered and the eyes open, the candlelight seems almost to appear anew. It is as if we are seeing the world differently, through the lens of Shabbat.
Each week, these small flames invite us to begin again. They call us away from distraction and toward presence, away from busyness and toward blessing. As the candles flicker, we are reminded that even a little light can illuminate a great darkness, and that the peace of Shabbat begins with a single spark.
May the light of Shabbat fill our homes, our hearts, and our world with peace.
All are invited to Erev Shabbat services on Friday, November 20 at 5:30 pm led by Rabbi Magal in person and virtually. Torah reading is Vayeitzei (Genesis 28: 10- 32:3) in which Jacob flees his brother Esau’s wrath and dreams of a ladder with angels ascending and descending, a symbol of God’s promise of protection. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check.
Our congregation’s Social Action Committee encourages everyone to contribute to the local Sedona food pantry. Items include non-perishable foods, infant formula, and personal care products for individuals and families in need. Donations may be placed in the collection bin located at the bottom of the stairs in the parking lot.
The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, located at 100 Meadowlark Drive off Route 179 in Sedona, is a welcoming, egalitarian, inclusive congregation dedicated to building a link from the past to the future by providing religious, educational, social and cultural experiences. Classes, services, programs, zoom links, and archived videos are listed on our website: jcsvv.org. Office telephone: 928 204-1286
Rabbi Alicia Magal
Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, Arizona, USA
www.jcsvv.org
Office: 928 204-1286
“A Jewel of a Shul”
Mission Statement:
The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley is a welcoming, egalitarian, inclusive congregation dedicated to building a link from the past to the future by providing religious, educational, social and cultural experiences. We choose to remain unaffiliated in order to respect and serve the rich diversity of our members and visitors.
