Why Do Jews Light Candles on Friday Night?
One of the most well known Jewish practices related to the observance of Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the lighting of oil lamps or candles before its commencement.
One of the most well known Jewish customs connected with the observance of Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the lighting of lamps or candles before sunset on Friday night. The practice is often thought to have been initiated by the Pharisees, a Jewish sect in the late Second Temple period. The practice is ancient and according to the first century Jewish historian Josephus, its popularity had even spread among non-Jewsish communities.
