Lighting Shabbat candles is rabbinic in origin. The ritual was instituted to create a spirit of domestic peace, harmony and celebration in honor of the Shabbat. Halachah forbade the lighting of fire on Shabbat and the Rabbis were concerned that without light, stumbling around in semi-darkness was not conducive to creating a spirit of peace and enjoyment. Therefore they deemed it a mitzvah to light candles just before the commencement of Shabbat.

Maintaining the ritual of candle lighting serves to remind us that Shabbat is a weekly celebration of our physical and spiritual renewal.

Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.

"Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Creator of the universe, Who has sanctified us with the commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candles."