How Long After Shabbat Begins Can One Light Candles?

Greetings

One must cease all work a few minutes before sunset; thus, one should light candles at least 5 minutes before sunset.

In most locations, Shabbat begins about 20 minutes before sunset, so post facto, it is permissible to light candles until approximately 15 minutes after the scheduled time as noted in calendars. It is advisable to check locally for the acceptable time to light candles in your area before sunset, and based on that, you can determine until when it is permissible to light candles post facto.

One may not eat from the candle lighting, as this is when Shabbat is typically accepted, until after the Kiddush.

Best wishes,

Benjamin Shmuali