Candles are a huge part of Judaism, and have come to symbolize shabbat and holidays - as we both begin and end every shabbat and major Jewish holiday by lighting candle. Over the holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, we light an increasing number of candles on each of the eight nights to remember the miracle of Hanukkah. We also remember the souls of our deceased loved ones by lighting yahrzeit or memorial candles.

Just like there are different pieces of Judaica for every holiday, there are different candles for each occasion, and you can discover the spiritual world of Judaism through the magic of candlelight!

We carry dozens of different candle options, all made in the Land of Israel - from elegant shabbat candles to intricate ones for havdalah, to colorful Hanukkah candles and long-lasting memorial candles. Read more below about the various categories of Jewish ritual candles made by Israeli artists, as well as some of our favorites.

And for more on the origins and significance of Jewish candlelighting rituals, as well as some key FAQs about today's traditions, see our Why Do Jews Light Candles? blog post.

 

Shabbat Candles

Shabbat candles are used on Friday nights and on the eve of major Jewish holidays. Most households have a tradition of lighting two identical candles every shabbat - either as a symbol of the two commandments we are given regarding shabbat, to observe and to remember, or to represent the husband and wife of the home, often with additional smaller candles added for each child.

❤︎ We love these gorgeous, tapered red-purple-blue candles, handmade in the Land of Israel and long enough to last your entire shabbat evening.

❤︎ We love convenient sets of 12 beautiful shabbat candles, such as these classic white candles and these richly colored orange-yellow-purple candles.

❤︎ We love this 50-piece set of classic tea lights, perfect for travel, as smaller candles for your children, or simply as a no-hassle shabbat or holiday lighting option.

 

Havdalah Candles

Havdalah candles are lit at the conclusion of Shabbat and are different from all other candles: instead of one wick, they feature two or more intertwined wicks. They are also usually long and meant to be reused from week to week. They come in a variety of styles: intricately braided candles, colorful pillar or pyramid shapes, and those incorporating sweet-smelling spices, or bisamim, meant to refresh the soul and symbolize a pleasant coming week.

❤︎ We love this rich and vibrant multicolored pillar havdalah candle.

❤︎ We love traditional braided havdalah candles such as this natural-colored beeswax candle and this dual-colored purple-and-white one.

❤︎ We love this hand-braided spice ball candle featuring aromatic spices.

 

 

Hanukkah Candles

Hanukkah candles are the star of the show every Festival of Lights and have been closely associated with the holiday for generations. Today, Hanukkah candles are sold in convenient sets of 44 - enough to light up the menorah on every night of the holiday - and come in a range of vibrant colors and fun patterns.

❤︎ We love these fun and vibrant multicolored Hanukkah candles and these elegant blue-and-white Hanukkah candles, both handmade in the Land of Israel!

 

 

 

Olive Oil Cups

Even though the most common method of lighting both Hanukkah menorahs and shabbat lights is candles, the more traditional version, going all the way back to Temple times, is oil. There is a growing trend to go back to this method, especially in Israel, and we carry pre-filled olive oil cups that fit many menorahs and shabbat candlesticks. Oil cups are also often less messy than candles, especially our gelled versions that stay solid and don't spill.

❤︎ We love these convenient sets of pre-filled classic olive oil cups and these fun multicolored ones, each with enough cups for every night of Hanukkah.

 

 

 

 

Yahrzeit (Memorial) Candles

Yahrzeit candles, also known as memorial or yizkor candles, are lit in memory of loved ones who passed away. We remember our deceased family members by lighting a candle on the anniversary of their passing, as well as on certain holidays, particularly Yom Kippur. In addition, many people light memorial candles on Holocaust Memorial Day in memory of the many victims. A Yahrzeit candle usually lasts about 24 hours and is lit at the beginning of the Hebrew day of the anniversary or holiday, which is right after sunset.

❤︎ We love this beautiful sterling silver memorial candle holder from premium luxury design studio Bier Judaica, and this simple and basic 24-hour memorial candle.

 

Make sure to get all your other lighting essentials:

✡ Matchboxes and Lighters

✡ Shabbat Candlesticks

✡ Shabbat Candleholders to fit your candles into your candlesticks

✡ Shabbat Candle Trays for a beautiful display

Havdalah Sets

Havdalah Spices