עברית
Halachot and Customs
Why Light Candles for Righteous Individuals?
Question
What is the significance of lighting candles for the righteous (such as Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the Baal Shem Tov, King David, etc.)?
If one lights, what should be said - in honor / for the merit / for the elevation of the soul?
Answer
Hello and blessings,
Lighting candles is very beneficial for the soul of the deceased, even for great righteous individuals.
One says "for the elevation of the soul" or "for the merit" or "in honor." When lighting a candle for a righteous person, we are doing a kindness for their soul, and the righteous individual does not wish to be ungrateful; therefore, they return benefits to each person and pray before the Throne of Glory for what the individual asks according to the situation.
With blessings,
Benjamin Shmueli
