Question: Can a husband light Shabbat candles instead of his wife?
Answer: The Mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles was enacted by our Sages in order to bring honor to Shabbat by having abundant light in the home.
Who is this Mitzvah Incumbent on?
It seems that this Mitzvah should have applied equally to the man of the house as it does to the wife.
Nevertheless, the Bayit Chadash and Magen Avraham write that a husband many not claim that he wishes to light the Shabbat candles on his own, for this Mitzvah belongs to women more than men.
The reason for this is because women are generally home more than men and are responsible for the things that go on in the house. Furthermore, this Mitzvah serves as a rectification process specifically for women, both according to the revealed and hidden facets of the Torah. This is why women have precedence regarding this Mitzvah.
Clearly, if a woman is not home for Shabbat, such as if she has given birth and is still in the hospital, the husband must light Shabbat candles at home.
If the Husband Snatched the Mitzvah
The Ya’abetz writes in his Siddur that if a husband preempts his wife and lights the Shabbat candles himself, he must pay his wife ten gold coins, as is the law regarding anyone who snatches a Mitzvah away from another. On the other hand, Maran Ha’Chida rebuffs his opinion and writes that although the wife precedes the husband regarding this Mitzvah, since the husband did not steal these items, as the oil and wicks are his, this is not actually considered snatching a Mitzvah. Thus, although he acted inappropriately, he need not pay his wife ten gold coins.
Preparing the Candles
The Mishnah (Chapter 2 of Masechet Shabbat) states: “Due to three sins do women pass away during childbirth: Because they are not careful regarding Niddah, Challah, and Shabbat candle-lighting.” Rabbeinu Akiva Eiger (in his Tosafot) asks why the Mishnah states “candle-lighting” as opposed to just “candles,” similar to the other two items?
He explains that the Tanna wished to hint that the woman’s Mitzvah is specifically lighting the candles, while the husband is tasked with preparing the candles, oil, and wicks for his wife to light. Indeed, Tikkunei Ha’Zohar states explicitly that a husband should fully prepare the Shabbat candles for his wife. The saintly Ari z”l (Sha’ar Ha’Kavanot 61d) writes: “Take care to prepare the Shabbat candles; however, lighting the candles is incumbent on the woman of the house, as is well known.” (Chazon Ovadia- Shabbat, Vol. 1, p. 163)
Tzedakah Before Candle-Lighting
It is worthy for a woman to donate three coins to Tzedakah prior to lighting the Shabbat candles and after lighting, to pray for her sons to illuminate the world with their Torah.
