Halachot and Customs
How Many Shabbat Candles Should Be Lit?
Question
Hello, Rabbi,
1. Is one required to light two Shabbat candles? I heard that an unmarried woman lights only one. Is there such a thing at all?
2. And is this likewise the case for men? It is known that if there are no women in the house, the man is obligated to light. Is that correct?
Thank you
Answer
Greetings,
1. It is sufficient to light one candle in order to fulfill the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles. However, there is value in lighting two candles, one corresponding to Zachor and one corresponding to Shamor (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, siman 263, se'if 1), and there is no difference in this matter between an unmarried woman and a married woman.
2. The above is also true regarding a man who lights Shabbat candles.
With blessings, Hillel Meirs
