Q. Is there a mitzvah to light more than the two usual (Shabbat) candles, if yes is there a maximum?
A. Remoh (O.H. 263,1) posits that one may add three or four lights. Mishna Berura (ibid.) mentions that some light seven candles, symbolizing the days of the week and some add ten, representing the Ten Commandments. Likutey Mahariach explains the widespread custom to aggregate a light for each newborn child, as an allusion to the Talmudic aphorism; "One who is habitual in (kindling the Shabbat or Chanukah) lights, will merit sons who are Torah scholars (Shabbat 23b). Nishmas Ysroel (2,33) mentions the practice of adding lights for deceased parents too. Maase Rav (112) relates that the Gaon of Vilnah would light many, many olive oil lights, until the doctors restrained him. Hechal Avodas Hashem (5,46) in B'nay Ysoschor's name, recommends thirty-six lights. There are other Kabbalistic traditions that differ in the numbers.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that one should maintain his own family or community traditions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Our family custom is to light two lights away from the table and eight lights on a Shabbos lamp that hangs from the ceiling above the table. The two lights symbolize Zachor and Shamor and together with the other eight lights symbolize the Aseres HaDibros.
Posted: 11/17/2012 5:53:13 PM by:
Mordechai
Kevod Harav Shlit"a, There seems to be a lot of confusion in our day and age. It seems like there are too many grey areas in the religious world instead of a clear yes or no. There is a "rally for israel", which will taking place tomorrow. It will be held at a conservative synagogue at 7:30 pm. It will be mixed men and women, with guest speakers and politicians to stand and support israel. Some frum rabbis are telling their kehilas that it is very important to attend! I want to hear clear from the Rav, what is the saad Torah in regards to attending this event? Is there Bo issue of; bitul Torah, moshav leitzem, pritzus, histaklus? I cant understand how such issues can happen and we ate quiet to these events? Thank you for taking the time to read this! Hashem yevarech es smo beshslom!
Important Numbers
