Shabbat Candles

Asked by JJ · May 14, 2004 · Shabbat

Question

How does your mother light Shabbat candles and say a berakhah? Haven't you told us that this is a berakhah levatalah since there is already light from the electricity?

Answer

Answered by Chaim Yisrael Abadi

She turns off the light, makes the Beracha (Ashkenazim make Bracha 2nd), then turns on the light and lights the candles. The berakhah levatalah issue is only relevant on Yom Tov, because you cannot turn off the light. CYA