CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
165. May a Non-Jew Light the Shabbat Eve
Candles
QUESTION: May a non-Jew married to a Jew light the
shabbat eve candles? The question has arisen at the time when a son of such a couple is
about to be Bar Mitzvah. Normally the mother of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
participates in the shabbat eve ceremony by lighting the candles. May she do so
under the circumstances? (Rabbi E. Palnick, Little Rock, AR)ANSWER: Tradition
has little to say on this specifically as the custom of lighting the candles in the synagogue is an
innovation of the Reform movement. It may have been intended as a revival of an ancient
custom of lighting the shabbat candles following the afternoon service in the synagogue
(Sidur Rav Amram, ed., Jerusalem, 1979, p. 61, also Isaac Lamperonti, Pahad
Yitzhaq, Hadlakhah). It came as a recent addition to the late Friday evening service created
by Isaac Mayer Wise. His first congregation was not enthusiastic but did permit him to establish
such a service in 1869 (W. G. Plaut, “The Sabbath in the-Reform Movement,” C.C.A.R.
Yearbook, Vol. 75, p. 177). This service did not contain the ritual of lighting the candles in
the synagogue, nor did the early editions of the Union Prayerbook. It was introduced in
the newly revised edition of 1940 and has become an accepted part of our liturgy. The
lighting of shabbat candles at the erev shabbat service represents a synagogue
version of the mitzvah of lighting shabbat candles at home (M. Shab II, 6).
This was one of the three mitzvot specifically commanded to women (Shulhan
Arukh Orah Hayim 263.3), although both men and women may light the
candles. The non-Jewish spouse’s participation in the Friday evening ritual at home
has evolved naturally. Frequently she does light the shabbat candles and through this
indicates a wish to establish some ties with Judaism at home. Technically, of course, it is
inappropriate for a Christian to recite the traditional benediction as it contains the words asher
qidshanu – “who sanctified us with His commandments,” which indicates an obligation
imposed on Jews. We have, however, taken this act as a positive indication that the home is to
be Jewish. We can not apply the same reasoning to the non-Jewish mother’s
participation in the Friday evening service by reciting the traditional words on the occasion of her
child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This is a public service and non-Jews may not lead in
essential segments of the synagogue service or sections which utilize such phrases as “who has
sanctified us” (“Participation of Non-Jews in a Jewish Public Service,” W. Jacob, American
Reform Responsa, #6). The non-Jewish mother may light the candles and recite a modified
prayer while someone else, perhaps another family member, should recite the traditional
b’rakhah.January 1984
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.