There is a small moment every Friday when the week comes to a stop. The table is already set, the smell of challah fills the house, and someone approaches the candlesticks, lights two candles, waves their hands over the flames, and covers their eyes to recite the blessing. In that moment, more than any other decoration in the home, the candlesticks signal that the weekday is over and Shabbat has begun. It’s no wonder that a pair of candlesticks is one of the first Judaica items a young couple receives, one of the classic gifts for a wedding or housewarming, and a present that often passes from mother to daughter and grandmother to granddaughter.
In this guide, we’ll explain the meaning of lighting Shabbat candles and why two candles are lit, introduce the main types of candlesticks—from crystal to hammered aluminum and colorful CNC-cut metal—and show you how to choose the right pair for your home, holiday table, or as a gift. And if you already know what you’re looking for, you can go straight to our collection of elegant Shabbat candlesticks.
What is the meaning of lighting Shabbat candles?
Lighting Shabbat candles is one of Judaism’s oldest and most cherished mitzvot. The Sages established it so the home would be lit during the Shabbat meal, and called it «the light of domestic peace»: a light that allows the family to sit together, see one another, and enjoy themselves without stumbling in the dark. The Talmud relates that when one must choose between Shabbat candles and other things, Shabbat candles take precedence, because peace in the home is paramount. That is why, even before homes had electricity, candlesticks were among the most precious and honored objects in a Jewish home.
It is customary to light at least two candles. The two candles represent the two formulations of the Shabbat commandment in the Torah: «Remember the Sabbath day» in the Book of Exodus and «Observe the Sabbath day» in the Book of Deuteronomy. Many families add a candle for every child born, which is why you’ll find five-, seven-, and even nine-branch candlesticks in some homes. The candles are lit before sunset, usually about 18 minutes beforehand; in Jerusalem, it is customary to light even earlier. After lighting, the blessing is recited: «Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candle.»
Beyond the halacha, this is also a deeply emotional moment. Many women describe the minute after lighting the candles, with their hands covering their eyes, as a time for personal prayer: for their children, their health, and their home. That’s why candlesticks aren’t «just another item» on the table. They are where the family welcomes Shabbat anew each week, so it’s worth choosing them thoughtfully.
Candlesticks also hold a special place in family memory. Many families in Israel and across the diaspora still cherish a pair that their grandparents brought from another country: sometimes it was the only object taken from their old home, packed among the clothes in a suitcase. Candlesticks like these pass from generation to generation, reminding us every Shabbat where we came from. When you choose a new pair of candlesticks today, you’re really choosing the ones your children and grandchildren will remember many years from now.
In a video on our channel, you can take a closer look at the «Woman of Valor» candlesticks (19 cm) made of polyresin, featuring the familiar verse from Proverbs, making them especially suitable as a gift for a woman, mother, or bride:
Why are candlesticks such a beloved gift?
- They’re used every week: A gift that graces the table 52 times a year, and on every holiday, too.
- They suit every age and style: From a young couple in their first apartment to a grandmother hosting the whole family.
- They carry meaning: Light, peace in the home, and continuity between generations.
- They’re perfect for family abroad: A Jewish Israeli gift that connects a faraway home to Israel.
- Holiday season: As Hanukkah approaches and the home fills with light, new candlesticks are a natural addition to the table and to the gifts.
Types of candlesticks: how to tell them apart and find the right ones for you
When you explore the world of candlesticks, you’ll discover a huge variety of materials, heights, and styles. To make things easier, we’ve divided them into a few main categories. Each has its own character and a featured example currently available on our website.
Crystal candlesticks: the festive classic
Crystal refracts candlelight into thousands of sparkles, which is why it’s especially popular on festive tables. Crystal candlesticks come in different heights, from low, sturdy pairs to tall, impressive designs such as the large cast crystal candlesticks (34 cm) in a clear finish. For those who prefer a more subtle sparkle, consider the pair of cast crystal candlesticks (16.5 cm) with a silver finish and white crystals. The elegant crystal candlesticks (16.5 cm) with white stones are also a safe choice as a wedding gift.
Hammered aluminum: handmade Judaica by Yair Emanuel
Jerusalem artist Yair Emanuel is known for combining traditional techniques with bold, modern color. His candlesticks are made of hand-hammered aluminum, with colorful rings that bring the table to life. The pair of candlesticks (14.5×11 cm) with blue rings suits a home with a Mediterranean feel, while the version with colorful-finish rings pairs beautifully with colorful tableware, too. All his creations can be found in the Yair Emanuel Judaica collection.
«Tree of Life»: candlesticks that are works of art
The Tree of Life is one of Judaism’s most profound symbols: family, growth, and roots. The handmade copper «Tree of Life» candlesticks (7×20 cm) are designed as a tree with little birds perched on its branches, and look like a small sculpture even when the candles aren’t lit. For those who prefer a cleaner look, there are the «Tree of Life» candlesticks (18 cm) in hammered metal with a matte finish. If this symbol speaks to you, you may also enjoy our guide to the Tree of Life in Judaica.
Colorful CNC-cut metal: candlesticks by Dorit Klein
Artist Dorit Klein translates flowers, birds, and blessings into the language of colorful metal. The floral Shabbat candlesticks with the «Candle-Lighting Blessing» (25 cm high) incorporate the text of the blessing into their design, keeping it in view whenever you light the candles. The «Colorful Bloom» candlesticks (25 cm) are a celebration of color, while those who prefer a more understated look will love the «Black-and-White Bloom» version. You’ll find more of her designs in the Dorit Klein Judaica collection.
Tealight candlesticks: convenient, clean, and safe
More and more families prefer small tealights, which don’t drip or fall over. The «Shabbat Shalom» stainless steel candlesticks (16×7 cm) by Dorit Klein are made just for this, with a flat, sturdy base. And if you already have regular candlesticks, the set of 10 blue tealight adapters (4.5 cm) by Yair Emanuel lets you use them with small candles, too.
Multi-branch candlesticks: a candle for every child
For families who add a candle for every child, a multi-branch candlestick is an elegant way to bring all the lights together in one place. The elegant cast crystal candlestick with 5 branches (34 cm) is a good fit for a growing young family, the 7-branch candlestick (46 cm) makes an impressive centerpiece, and the 9-branch candlestick (42 cm) with a matte finish is ideal for larger families. There’s also a 10-branch «Shabbat and Holidays» candlestick (33 cm) for those who want a place for everyone.
Travel candlesticks: take Shabbat on the road
Hotels, vacation cabins, reserve duty, or Shabbat with family: travel candlesticks fold into a small lidded case and fit in any bag. The «Hoshen» travel candlesticks (3×9 cm) with a gold finish are decorated with the stones of the Hoshen, while the «Filigree» travel candlesticks (4×9 cm) set with crystals make a lovely gift for a student, a woman in the military, or anyone who spends many Shabbatot away from home.
Want to complete the entire Shabbat table with one gift? This video from our channel offers a close-up look at the three-piece matte crystal set: a Kiddush cup, candlesticks, and a salt shaker:
Shabbat sets: candlesticks, a Kiddush cup, and a salt shaker
A Shabbat set saves you the trouble of matching individual pieces and creates a coordinated, thoughtfully styled look. In addition to the matte-finish set featured in the video, there’s also the three-piece «Gold» Kiddush set: a crystal cup, candlesticks, and a salt shaker with stones, as well as the crystal candlestick set with a gold-finish candle-lighting tray, which protects the tablecloth from dripping wax. If you’re interested in the Kiddush cup, read our guide to choosing a Kiddush cup.
How to choose candlesticks: a practical guide
- Height and proportions: Low candlesticks (15–20 cm) are more stable and work well on everyday tables and in homes with children. Tall candlesticks (30 cm or higher) create a dramatic centerpiece, but make sure they don’t block the diners’ view.
- Candle type: Check whether the candlesticks are designed for regular wax candles, oil candles, or tealights. If you’re unsure, choose regular candlesticks and add tealight adapters.
- Material and care: Clean crystal with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Aluminum and stainless steel are very durable and require little maintenance. Copper develops a beautiful patina over time.
- Tray: A tray under the candlesticks protects the tablecloth and table from dripping wax and also provides a dedicated place for matches.
- Number of branches: If you usually add a candle for every child, think ahead and choose multi-branch candlesticks or an additional pair.
- A permanent place: Place the candlesticks somewhere they can safely burn down completely, away from curtains and out of reach of small children—ideally in the room where you eat.
What occasions are candlesticks suitable for?
Weddings and engagements
Candlesticks may be the most classic Jewish wedding gift: they symbolize the new home and the couple’s first Shabbat together. For a wedding, choose an elegant pair in crystal or metal and complete the gift with an elegant Kiddush cup.
Housewarmings
A couple moving into a new home will love candlesticks to inaugurate their new table. Find more ideas in our housewarming gift guide and in our collection of gifts for the home and office.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is just around the corner, and on Friday evening during Hanukkah, we light the Hanukkah candles first and then the Shabbat candles, filling the home with twice the light. A perfect gift for the season is this blue aluminum Hanukkah menorah and Shabbat candlesticks set by Yair Emanuel, or the same set in turquoise. Explore the full selection: designer Hanukkah menorahs and Hanukkah gifts.
Bat Mitzvah, Birthday, and Mother’s Day
In many homes, a girl receives her first pair of candlesticks for her Bat Mitzvah, so she can light her own candles. For a mother or grandmother, candlesticks with a blessing or the words “A Woman of Valor” are a thoughtful token of appreciation.
A Gift for Family and Friends Abroad
Candlesticks from Israel are a wonderful way to send a little piece of home to the Shabbat table of family far away. We recommend choosing compact, sturdy designs, such as aluminum or travel candlesticks, which also hold up well in transit.
Complete Your Shabbat Table
Candlesticks are just the beginning of a beautiful Shabbat table. Discover the elegant challah boards and knives, challah covers, washing cups for ritual handwashing, and wine accessories and Havdalah sets for Saturday night. These and more are all gathered in the Judaica and holiday gifts collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shabbat Candlesticks
How many candles should be lit? At least two, corresponding to “Remember” and “Observe.” Many families add one candle for each child.
When should they be lit? Before sunset, usually about 18 minutes beforehand. Check a Hebrew calendar for the exact Shabbat candle-lighting time in your city.
Can tea lights be used? Yes. Tea lights are suitable for candle lighting, convenient, and cleaner, and there are candlesticks and adapters designed for them.
How do you care for crystal candlesticks? Hand-wash them in lukewarm water with a little soap, dry with a soft cloth, and remove any wax residue after briefly placing them in the freezer.
What makes a good wedding gift? A classic crystal pair or a full Shabbat set with a Kiddush cup and salt cellar is a safe choice. For a couple with a modern taste, hammered aluminum or colorful metal candlesticks make an especially memorable gift.
The Light That Brings the Home Together
Ultimately, the best candlesticks are the ones you’ll be happy to light every week: ones that suit your table, your style, and your family’s custom. Whether you choose sparkling crystal, handcrafted hammered aluminum, a copper “Tree of Life,” or small travel candlesticks, you’ll have an item that will accompany your family for many years and create memories around the candlelight. All the designs in this guide are currently in stock and ship throughout Israel and internationally.
Ready to choose? Browse the elegant Shabbat candlesticks collection and find the pair that will light up your Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!
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