Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups Frequently Asked Questions and Answers URL: www.scjfaq.org/faq/07-04.html

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Question 7.4:
Why are there 18 minutes from the time candle lighting starts on Shabbat until the last time you can light?

In classic Halachic literature, Shabbat begins at sundown. The 18 minute custom arose for various reasons that include the following:

• There is a mitzvah to add to the shabbos by beginning it early and ending it later.

• Time pieces are imprecise.

As a result of this, the custom developed to light candles some specific amount of time before sundown. In the United States, the 18 minute custom was almost (but not quite) universally accepted because the first printed calendars in the US were printed by Rav Henkin, and marked candle lighting 18 minutes before sundown. Most calendars in most cities in the US follow that format today.

Note: While one can/should bring Shabbat in early with the lighting of candles, Shabbat begins at sundown even if candles have not been lit. For traditional Jews, at that point candle lighting would be forbidden.

Note that other cities may have different customs. In Jerusalem, the custom seems to be to light candles 30 minutes before sundown. In Chicago Illinois, the custom is 20 minutes.

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