What Time Is Candle Lighting? Shabbat and Holiday Zmanim Guide

Candle lighting time for Shabbat and Jewish holidays (Yom Tov) is calculated relative to local astronomical sunset (shkiah). In most cities worldwide, candles are lit exactly 18 minutes before sunset. However, specific geographic locations and community customs (minhagim) observe custom offsets ranging from 20 to 40 minutes prior to sunset. Because sunset fluctuates daily based on latitude and seasonal solar position, exact candle lighting times change every single week.

How Shabbat and Holiday Candle Lighting Times Are Calculated

Determining the precise moment for candle lighting (hadlakat nerot) requires combining precise astronomical calculations with established Jewish law (Halakha). Unlike secular days that begin at midnight, the Jewish calendar measures days from evening to evening, shifting at sunset.

Astronomical Sunset (Shkiah) as the Anchor

The universal anchor for calculating all evening zmanim (halachic times) is astronomical sunset—the precise moment when the upper edge of the sun's disk disappears below the geometric horizon at sea level. Because the Earth's axis is tilted and its orbit elliptical, local sunset varies continuously throughout the year.

At higher latitudes, sunset times fluctuate drastically between the summer and winter solstices. Therefore, candle lighting times cannot be set to a fixed clock hour; they must be recalculated weekly for every specific set of geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude).

The Concept of Acceptance of Shabbat (Kabalat Shabbat)

Halakha requires welcoming Shabbat prior to the absolute onset of nightfall to fulfill the commandment of Tosefet Shabbat—adding time from the secular weekday to the holy day. Lighting candles serves as the formal, ritual acceptance of Shabbat for the household, at which point all creative actions (melacha) prohibited on Shabbat become forbidden to those who light. To ensure no one accidentally lights after sunset—which constitutes a severe Sabbath violation—rabbinic authorities instituted standard buffer periods prior to shkiah.

Standard Regional Offsets (Minhagim)

While the standard halachic buffer accepted globally is 18 minutes before sunset, local traditions dictate different offsets across various global regions:

• 18 Minutes (Standard Global Offset): Derived from the time required to walk a halachic distance (moshvei am) of three-quarters of a mil. This offset is the standard rule across the United States, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa.
• 40 Minutes (Jerusalem and Surrounding Areas): Jerusalem maintains a longstanding custom attributed to the city’s elevated topography, historical valley shadows, and an extra stringency (chumra) to honor the sanctity of Zion.
• 20 Minutes (Specific North American Communities): Cities like New York City, Chicago, and Boston frequently observe a 20-minute offset due to regional rabbinic decrees enacted in the early 20th century to account for dense urban skylines and transit delays.
• 30 to 45 Minutes (Selected Middle Eastern and European Traditions): Communities in Safed, Hebron, and certain historical European enclaves maintain longer buffers ranging from 30 to 45 minutes before sunset.

Regional Standard Customary Offsets

The following comparative table outlines standard local offsets observed by major global Jewish communities. Always verify local rabbinic guidance for specific neighborhood customs.

Key Halachic Rules for Lighting Shabbat Candles

To properly fulfill the commandment of hadlakat nerot, specific halachic parameters must be met regarding timing, placement, and execution.

1. Earliest Time: Plag HaMincha (1.25 seasonal hours before sunset)
2. Standard Time: Community Offset (18, 20, or 40 minutes before sunset)
3. Absolute Deadline: Astronomical Sunset (Shkiah) - LIGHTING FORBIDDEN AFTER SUNSET

The Absolute Latest Time to Light

The absolute deadline for lighting Shabbat candles is the exact second of astronomical sunset (shkiah). Once the sun dips below the horizon, lighting a fire is strictly forbidden under the biblical prohibition against kindle fire on the Sabbath (Shemot 35:3).

If sunset has arrived and candles have not been lit:

1. Do not light the candles. Striking a match, flicking a lighter, or turning on an incandescent element after sunset violates Shabbat.
2. Accept Shabbat verbally without lighting. The sanctity of the day begins automatically at nightfall regardless of whether candles were lit.
3. Consult local halachic authority. In many traditions, missing candle lighting due to negligence requires adding an extra candle to one's weekly routine for the rest of one's life as a penance (kenas), though unpreventable accidents (ones) are generally exempt.

The Earliest Time to Light (Plag HaMincha)

Candles cannot be lit arbitrarily early on Friday afternoon. The earliest permissible time to kindle Shabbat candles is Plag HaMincha—exactly 1.25 seasonal hours (sha'ot zmaniyot) before astronomical sunset.

A seasonal hour is calculated by dividing the total daylight duration of any given day (from sunrise to sunset) into 12 equal segments. Consequently, Plag HaMincha shifts dramatically throughout the year:

• In Summer: Days are long, so 1.25 seasonal hours may equal 75 to 90 clock minutes before sunset.
• In Winter: Days are short, so 1.25 seasonal hours may compress to 50 to 60 clock minutes before sunset.

If candles are lit prior to Plag HaMincha, the act is halachically invalid, requiring the candles to be extinguished and rekindled at the correct time with a blessing.

Blessing Protocol and Procedure

In standard Ashkenazic tradition, the act of lighting the candles constitutes the formal acceptance of Shabbat. Because one cannot utter a blessing (bracha) over a commandment after it has been completed, but also cannot light a flame after accepting Shabbat, the procedure follows a unique sequence:

1. Kindle the flames. Light the candles using an existing flame or match.
2. Safely deposit the match. Drop the match on a heat-safe dish without blowing it out manually, as blowing out a match accepts or performs work.
3. Cover the eyes. Shield the eyes with both hands to block out the illumination of the candles.
4. Recite the Blessing:

   Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat. ("Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of the Sabbath.")

5. Uncover the eyes. View the lit candles, deriving immediate physical enjoyment from the light, thereby completing the commandment.

In Sephardic tradition, many authorities (including the Shulchan Aruch) dictate that women recite the blessing before lighting the match, as they do not automatically accept Shabbat through the recital of the blessing unless explicitly intending to do so.

Step-by-Step Guide: Determining Your Exact Local Candle Lighting Time

Calculating or verifying your exact weekly candle lighting time requires four main steps:

Step 1: Identify Precise Geographic Coordinates

Because sunset relies on precise terrestrial location, your city or exact GPS coordinates determine your timing. Cities located on the far eastern edge of a time zone experience sunset much earlier on the clock than cities on the far western edge of the same time zone.

Step 2: Obtain the Precise Astronomical Sunset (Shkiah)

Access certified halachic calculator databases (such as Chabad Zmanim, OU Torah, or local rabbinical council portals) configured for your location. These systems calculate shkiah based on US Naval Observatory or astronomical algorithms that factor in local elevation above sea level.

Step 3: Apply the Community Offset

Subtract your local minhag offset from the astronomical sunset time:

• Calculation Formula: Local Sunset Time – Local Offset (e.g., 18 mins) = Candle Lighting Time
• Example: If sunset in Chicago is calculated at 7:42 PM, apply the 20-minute Chicago offset: 7:42 PM - 20 minutes = 7:22 PM Candle Lighting Time.

Step 4: Cross-Reference Daylight Saving Time Adjustments

Ensure your digital tools or printed charts properly incorporate local clock adjustments. When daylight saving time begins or ends, clock times shift by 60 minutes, though the physical angle of the sun remains identical relative to Earth.

Holiday Variations: Yom Tov, Hanukkah, and Havdalah Transitions

Timing rules for candle lighting change significantly when transitioning between secular weekdays, Yom Tov (Major Festivals), and Shabbat.

Crucial Distinction for Yom Tov Candle Lighting: Unlike Shabbat, when creating a flame from scratch or lighting from an existing flame is forbidden after sunset, on Yom Tov (Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot) lighting from a pre-existing flame is permitted. However, creating a new flame (e.g., striking a match or striking an electronic igniter) remains prohibited.

1. Yom Tov Falling on a Weekday

When a festival begins on a weekday night, candles may be lit either before sunset (using the standard 18-minute offset) or after nightfall (Tzeit HaKochavim). If lighting after nightfall:

• You must transfer fire from a flame lit prior to the holiday (such as a 24-hour or 48-hour memorial candle).
• You must not blow out the match; let it burn down naturally on a fireproof surface.

2. Shabbat Transitioning into Yom Tov

When Shabbat ends and Yom Tov immediately begins on a Saturday night, candles cannot be lit before sunset or during the twilight period (Bein HaShashot). Candles must be lit exclusively after nightfall (Tzeit HaKochavim—typically 42 to 72 minutes after sunset, depending on community custom).

• You must wait for Shabbat to fully end.
• Recite Baruch HaMavdil bein kodesh l'kodesh ("Blessed is He who separates holy from holy") before lighting.
• Transfer the flame strictly from a pre-existing light source prepared before Shabbat.

3. Yom Tov Transitioning into Shabbat

When Yom Tov falls on a Friday, Shabbat candle lighting must occur before sunset, exactly like any standard Friday. Flames must be transferred from a pre-existing candle that was lit before Yom Tov began or lit during Yom Tov prior to the Friday sunset deadline.

Common Pitfalls and Frequently Misunderstood Timing Scenarios

Navigating candle lighting times requires vigilance during seasonal changes and personal travel. Avoid these critical operational mistakes:

Misinterpreting Digital "Sunset" vs. "Candle Lighting"

Printed calendars and mobile apps list both "Candle Lighting" and "Sunset" (Shkiah). A common error is assuming candle lighting is the moment of sunset. Candle lighting is the recommended start time of the window; sunset is the absolute hard deadline.

Traveling Across Time Zones

When flying or driving on Friday, your candle lighting obligations apply to the physical location where you are situated at the moment of local sunset, not your home location or destination.

• If traveling west, you extend your Friday afternoon, pushing local candle lighting later on the clock.
• If traveling east, you compress Friday afternoon, advancing local candle lighting much earlier on the clock.
• If in transit on an airplane during sunset, consult a halachic authority beforehand; lighting open flames aboard commercial aircraft is illegal and hazardous, necessitating alternative halachic arrangements (such as turning on battery-operated incandescent lights with intent prior to departure).

Summer Early Shabbat (Plag HaMincha Acceptance)

During long summer months in high-latitude regions (e.g., Northern Europe, Canada, Northern US), sunset can occur as late as 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Communities frequently institute an "Early Shabbat," accepting Shabbat at Plag HaMincha:

• Candles are lit after Plag HaMincha but before the early community service starts.
• The person lighting accepts Shabbat immediately at that moment.
• Family members must ensure late-day weekday activities cease for those who lit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard candle lighting time before sunset?

The global standard candle lighting time is 18 minutes before astronomical sunset (shkiah). This buffer ensures that households accept Shabbat properly without risking performing work after sunset.

This 18-minute window is adopted across most international Jewish communities. However, localized customs vary, such as Jerusalem (40 minutes) and Chicago (20 minutes), based on regional rabbinic rulings and historical geography.

Can you light Shabbat candles after sunset?

No, lighting Shabbat candles after astronomical sunset is strictly forbidden according to Halakha. Lighting a flame after sunset violates the biblical prohibition against kindling fire on the Sabbath.

If sunset has passed, you must not light matches or candles. Shabbat automatically takes effect at nightfall regardless of whether candles were lit, and the household should proceed with traditional Shabbat meals using whatever ambient light is already present.

What is Plag HaMincha and how does it impact candle lighting?

Plag HaMincha is the absolute earliest time one can light Shabbat candles on Friday afternoon, calculated as 1.25 seasonal hours before sunset.

A seasonal hour changes in length depending on the time of year, making Plag HaMincha a dynamic point in the afternoon. Lighting candles prior to this timestamp renders the lighting invalid, requiring the candles to be lit again during the correct window.

Why does Jerusalem observe a 40-minute candle lighting offset?

Jerusalem observes a 40-minute offset due to a centuries-old tradition (Minhag Yerushalayim) rooted in its unique topographical landscape and heightened spiritual sanctity.

Historically, Jerusalem's deep valleys and surrounding hills caused early shadows, obscuring the true visual horizon. To protect residents from accidentally working past sunset, rabbinic leaders established a strict 40-minute protective buffer.

How do you light candles when Yom Tov falls immediately after Shabbat?

When Yom Tov begins on Saturday night immediately after Shabbat, candles must be lit strictly after nightfall (Tzeit HaKochavim) using a pre-existing flame.

You cannot light candles before sunset on Saturday, as that would prepare for the holiday on Shabbat itself. You must wait for Shabbat to end, recite the prayer separating holy days (Havdalah or Baruch HaMavdil), and transfer a flame from a multi-day candle lit prior to Shabbat.

Final Guidance for Maintaining Precise Zmanim

Accurate adherence to candle lighting times preserves both the legal integrity and peace of mind necessary to welcome Shabbat and holidays. To ensure complete compliance with local halachic standards:

1. Utilize Geolocation-Based Calculators: Always rely on halachic time engines configured to your exact latitude, longitude, and elevation rather than relying on static printed schedules from distant cities.
2. Establish Household Buffer Times: Target lighting 5 to 10 minutes before your local published candle lighting time to account for last-minute household emergencies, match issues, or clock discrepancies.
3. Consult Local Orthodox Rabbinical Authorities: Whenever traveling, moving to a new municipality, or experiencing uncertain sunset conditions due to extreme weather or high elevation, consult a local Orthodox rabbi to confirm your neighborhood's specific accepted minhag.

By maintaining these practices, households uphold millennia of sacred tradition with exact precision and peace of mind.