Note: Most Messianic believers would object that in fact the LORD has not commanded us to light the candles of Shabbat, and, since Yeshua is the true Light of the world Who alone gives us true rest, prefer to recite the blessing listed at the top of this page.
In most cases of berachot, the blessing is recited first, followed by the performance of the mitzvah. In the case of this blessing, however, the woman lights the candles first, and then pronounces the blessing, since once she has pronounced the blessing, she has accepted Shabbat restrictions upon herself, and therefore would be unable to light the candles afterwards.
Note: A Friday night service called Kabbalat Shabbat is normally offered at the synagogue after the candle-lighting time but before the Shabbat meal. From the time the candles are lit until after kiddush is made, one should not eat or drink anything.
Thanking God for Shabbat
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לָנוּ חַגִּים, חֻקּוֹת, וּמוֹעֲדִים לְשִׂמְחָה לִכְבוֹד יֵשׁוּעַ הַמָּשִׁיחַ אֲדוֹנֵינוּ, אוֹר הָעוֹלָם
bah·rookh at·tah Adonai E·loh·hei·noo me·lekh hah·oh·lahm, a·sher nah·tan lah·noo chag·geem, choo·kot, oo'moh·a·deem le·seem·chah, leekh·vohd Ye·shoo·a ha·mah·shee·ach a·doh·ney·noo, ohr hah·oh·lahm
"Blessed art You, LORD our God, King of the universe, who has given to us holidays, customs, and seasons of happiness, for the glory of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the light of the world." (Download Study Card)
|