Lighting Yom Tov Candles
Just as there is a Mitzvah to light candles on Erev Shabbat in honor of Shabbat, there is likewise a Mitzvah to light candles in honor of Yom Tov since the Torah refers to all holidays as “Holy Proclamations.” Indeed, the Rambam writes (Chapter 6 of Hilchot Yom Tov) that just as there is an obligation to honor the Shabbat and make it enjoyable, the same applies regarding all holidays, as the verse states, “The holy day of Hashem, honorable” and all holidays are called “Holy Proclamations.” We can derive from his words that there is a Mitzvah to light candles in honor of Yom Tov just as there is a Mitzvah to do so in honor of Shabbat.
Included in this Mitzvah of lighting candles on Shabbat and holidays is any additional light around the house, such as any electric lightbulbs.
Since there is a Mitzvah to light candles in honor of Yom Tov, one must likewise recite a blessing upon it, just as one would recite a blessing upon lighting Shabbat candles. The text of this blessing is, as follows: “Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech Ha’Olam Asher Kideshanu Be’Mitzvotav Ve’Tzivanu Le’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov.” There is no distinction between Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Yemenite Jews regarding this matter as all must recite this blessing and light candles in honor of Yom Tov.
The “Shehecheyanu” Blessing
It is preferable not to recite the “Shehecheyanu” blessing while lighting Yom Tov candles. A woman who nevertheless wishes to recite the “Shehecheyanu” blessing while lighting Yom Tov candles must first light one candle and only then may she recite this blessing (so that the “Shehecheyanu” blessing does not act as an interruption between the blessing on the candle-lighting and the performance of the Mitzvah of the candle-lighting). Similarly, she must take care not to answer “Amen” to the “Shehecheyanu” blessing recited by the head of the household as he recites Kiddush since she has already recited this blessing; thus, this blessing being recited by the one making Kiddush is no longer applicable to her. Therefore, she may not answer “Amen” during Kiddush (through which she fulfills her obligation by listening to its recital) since answering “Amen” will constitute an interruption for her during Kiddush. It is therefore preferable to refrain from reciting the “Shehecheyanu” blessing at all while lighting Yom Tov candles.
Seudah Shelishit-5778
This year, 5778, the Shavuot holiday will fall out this coming Motza’ei Shabbat. Thus, Seudah Shelishit (the third Shabbat meal) will be eaten on Erev Yom Tov. Since eating Seudah Shelishit may interfere with eating the evening Yom Tov meal with appetite, the Rama (Chapter 529, Section 1) rules that when Erev Yom Tov falls out on Shabbat, only a small amount of bread should be eaten and not eat too much, in honor of Yom Tov. Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l rules likewise (in his Chazon Ovadia-Yom Tov, page 91) and writes that although Seudah Shelishit may be eaten even in the afternoon hours, nevertheless, one should not eat more than a Kebeitza (approximately fifty grams) of bread so that one will have an appetite to eat the Yom Tov meal that night.
Summary: Candles should be lit in honor of Yom Tov and a blessing should be recited before lighting them. Nevertheless, the “Shehecheyanu” blessing should not be recited at the time of candle-lighting. When Erev Yom Tov falls out on Shabbat and Seudah Shelishit is eaten on Shabbat afternoon, one should not eat more than a Kebeitza of bread.
We at “Halacha Yomit” would like to wish all of our members along with the entire Jewish nation a Chag Sameach and Tizku Le’Shanim Rabbot Ne’imot Ve’Tovot. May the light of the Torah illuminate your homes amid much health, happiness, prosperity, and peace for you and your families, Amen.
