עברית
Faith
What is the exact wording of the blessing when lighting a candle for the elevation of a soul?
Question
Hello,
1. Before lighting Shabbat candles, is it permissible to pray and give charity for the elevation of my father's soul and to light a candle for him?
2. Does the candle have to be a memorial candle or can it be a regular candle (the one used to light the Shabbat candles)?
3. What is the exact wording of the blessing when lighting a candle for the elevation of a soul?
Thank you in advance,
Aviv
Answer
1. Before lighting Shabbat candles, it is a very good custom to give charity; the candle you light for the elevation of your father's soul should be in addition to the Shabbat candles, and not from the Shabbat candles themselves.
2. It does not matter. A soul candle simply burns longer.
3. For both the candle and the charity, you say the following wording: I am lighting (or giving charity) for the elevation of the soul of my father, (his name) son of (his father's name); the Sephardim say the name of the mother of the deceased rather than the name of the father.
