[Avodah] If one was delayed and did not light candles before shkia (sunset), what should be done?

[Professor L. Levine via Avodah]

>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis


Q. If one was delayed and did not light candles before shkia (sunset), what should be done?


A. According to the Geonim, Bein Ha'shmashos (twilight) begins immediately following sunset. Bein Ha'shmashos is a period of time that Halacha views as a safek (uncertainty) whether it is day or night. According to the Geonim, since Bein Ha'shmashos may be night (in which case Shabbos has already begun), it is forbidden to light candles immediately after sunset. Nonetheless, Shulchan Aruch (261:1) rules that during Bein Ha'shmashos, one may ask a non-Jew to light the Shabbos candles on our behalf. The duration of Bein Hashmashos is a matter of dispute. Igros Moshe (OC IV:74:40) writes, for reasons beyond the scope of this piece, that one who is stringent not to end Shabbos before 50 minutes after sunset in the New York area (as per Rav Moshe zt"l's understanding of Rabbeinu Tam) may ask a non-Jew to light candles until 30 minutes after sunset. One who does not follow Rabbeinu Tam may only ask a non-Jew to light candles up until thirteen and a half minutes after sunset.

The Beiur Halachah (261:s.v. Mi ) quotes the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch Harav that after the non-Jew lights the candles, one may recite the blessing on the candles. However the Mishnah Berurah writes that most poskim hold that if a non-Jew lit the candles, a blessing may not be said.


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