Significance of Shabbat Candle Trays in Jewish Tradition

The Significance of the Shabbat Candle Tray

In Jewish tradition, the lighting of the Shabbat candles marks the beginning of the holy day of rest. Women light a minimum of two candles in candlesticks or a special shabbat candle tray to usher in the spiritual tranquility of Shabbat. But the candle lighting ritual is about more than just observance - it carries deep meaning and symbolism.

Welcoming the Divine Feminine Presence

The candles represent the divine feminine presence entering the home at the onset of the Shabbat bride. By tenderly lighting the flames, women draw God's blessings, serenity and sanctity into the private realm of family.

In fact, the candlesticks themselves symbolize the columns that supported the Temple. And the fire? That embodies the constantly burning flame in the Temple's Eternal Light. Through ritual, women thus bring the Temple's holy light into their home.

Honoring Women's Spirituality

The rabbis reserved the mitzvah of Shabbat candle lighting for women alone. In doing so, they honored women's innate spirituality and fiery faith which fuels family harmony. The candles enabled women to set the tone for the tranquility and closeness of Shabbat from generation to generation.

The rabbis lived during tumultuous times when public synagogue attendance was difficult for women. Yet, they ensured women still had an equal, if not greater, role than men in welcoming the Shabbat each week in their homes.

Families Gathering Around the Warm Glow

The Shabbat candles beckon family to come together. As dusk settles and the candles pierce the darkness, their flickering flames call loved ones to unite around the dinner table under their warm glow.

Drawing partners and children near, the Shabbat candles spark spiritual connections, sacred traditions, and family bonding. Women thus ignite tremendous meaning, comfort and togetherness through this eloquent mitzvah.

The Shabbat Candle Tray as a Focal Point

To proudly display the Shabbat candles, Jewish women light the candles in special candlesticks or an ornate shabbat candle tray. Typically made of silver or pewter, these trays hold the candles, match sticks, and candle lighting blessings.

Reflecting Her Customs and Values

Women often select a shabbat candle tray that aesthetically reflects their family’s custom and values. For example, a wife may choose an antique silver tray that once belonged to her grandmother. This transforms a beloved heirloom into a focal point for her own family’s nascent traditions.

Or she may opt for a pewter tray with intricate filigree symbolizing the warmth and light she wants to imbue in her children. By personally selecting her special shabbat candle tray, a woman sets the tone for her family’s Shabbat experience.

Showcasing Her Finest Ritual Objects

The Shabbat candle tray showcases the finest ritual objects in the Jewish home. Typically, women arrange the special besamim spice box, Kiddush cup, and challah cover on the tray amidst the candles.

By placing them all together on the tray, women proudly exhibit items cherished above all else. The collection visually reinforces that Shabbat is the zenith of the week in Jewish spirituality and family connection.

Keeping the Traditions Alive from Generation to Generation

The Shabbat candle tray serves as a vessel through which women pass along ancient traditions. A mother may use the same pewter tray her grandmother did, or gift a sterling silver heirloom tray to her own daughter.

The tray carries forward cherished rituals, lovingly tended, to the next generation of women. Who will light the candles nestled safely inside, singing songs of Shabbat peace in pure soprano notes – just as their mothers and grandmothers did before them.

Selecting the Perfect Shabbat Candle Tray

Today women can find shabbat candle trays made from diverse materials such as silver, copper, glass, and ceramic. When choosing your tray, consider an option displaying Jewish symbols like the Star of David, seven-branch menorah, or the word “Shabbat” in Hebrew script.

Silver Trays

For an elegant and timeless option, look for silver-plated or sterling silver trays. The sheen will beautifully reflect the candlelight each week. Opt for a durable weighted base or padded bottom so the tray sits securely.

Pewter Trays

Sturdy pewter Shabbat trays feature detailed engravings for added visual intrigue. Or select a colorfully enameled tray for a fun pop of vibrancy amidst the flickering flames. Just ensure any enamel paint withstands high temperatures from the candles.

Glass or Crystal Trays

For a sleek transparent look, glass or crystal Shabbat trays offer dazzling luminosity. The glass refracts warm candle flames into tiny dancing prisms of light. Just avoid very thin glass that could crack from prolonged candle heat.

FAQs

What does the shabbat candle tray symbolize?

The shabbat candle tray holds the ritual objects used to welcome in the Shabbat bride. It symbolizes the spiritual tranquility and sacredness of the Shabbat day.

When do you light the Shabbat candles?

Shabbat candles should be lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. The candles usher in the holy day of rest and no work should be done afterwards.

Where should the Shabbat candle tray go?

The candle tray belongs on a table or kitchen counter where the Shabbat dinner will take place. It designates the space where families will gather under the glow of the candles.

What goes on the Shabbat candle tray?

The tray displays the besamim spice box, Kiddush cup, candlesticks, matchsticks, and often the challah cover. These ritual objects come together on the tray for the Friday evening rituals.