#27: Forgetting to Light Shabbat Candles

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. According to the Rema (263:1), one who forgets to light must light an additional candle for the rest of her life as a penalty. However, the Mishnah Berurah (263:7) qualifies that if it was not her fault and she was unable to light for other reasons, she need not light an extra candle.
  2. Some say the penalty applies today even if the electric lights are on in the home (Shevet Halevi 5:33). Others say that it does not apply today if there is light in the home, as in their opinion, the penalty relates to not having light in the home (Chazon Ovadiah, vol.1, p.173, “The 39 Melachos”). It is recommended to consult a rabbinic authority should this situation arise for additional guidance.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.