עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permissible to travel by car after lighting Shabbat candles?
Question
We live in a development area and the synagogue is far from where we live. Since I am used to walking to the synagogue, my husband suggested that we drive, of course before Shabbat begins, and park near the synagogue. Can I light the candles and bless them before I travel with him? Thank you
Answer
Hello,
According to the custom of the Sephardim, if you light Shabbat candles about half an hour before sunset, you do not accept Shabbat upon yourself, and you can travel by car. Nevertheless, it is preferable to express your intention that you do not wish to accept Shabbat with the lighting of the candles on Friday evening. This condition needs to be stated only once a year (Yalkut Yosef, Siman Rish Gimmel, Se'if 57).
Indeed, if you light the Shabbat candles more than half an hour before sunset, you are obligated to accept Shabbat upon yourself with the lighting of the candles (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman Rish Gimmel, Se'if 4, and Or Lezion, Part 2, page 328).
And according to the custom of the Ashkenazim, a woman always accepts Shabbat at the time of lighting the candles. Only in cases of need (and in your query it seems this qualifies as a need) is it permitted for her to stipulate that she is not accepting Shabbat with the lighting (Rema, there, Se'if 10, and Mishnah Berurah, Se'if Katan 44. See also Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchatah, Part 2, Chapter 43, Se'if 24).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
