This short article explains exactly when to light Shabbat candles, according to Orthodox halacha, as well as what one can do if they have missed the lighting time. It includes additional resources that will help individuals determine the correct time to light the Shabbat candles based on their custom and time zone. Aimed towards those with some knowledge of halachic terminology, this article is helpful for those looking to understand how halachic times are calculated. This article is from Chabad.org, the official website of the dynamic Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a deep Hasidic philosophy with an emphasis on outreach.
Candle Lighting Times
In most locales, Shabbat candle-lighting time is eighteen minutes before sunset.
Shabbat begins at sunset and it is forbidden to light candles on Shabbat. In order to provide a margin for error, the accepted custom is to light the candles and usher in Shabbat eighteen minutes earlier.
If one missed candle-lighting time, it is still permissible to light the Shabbat candles until sunset. After sunset it is forbidden.
It is permitted to light candles and usher in the Shabbat earlier, if one so wishes. This is common practice in places where nightfall in the summer months is quite late. The earliest one may do so is plag hamincha, 1¼ halachic hours before sunset. Click here for the halachic times in your location.