She stands silently for only a moment, stares at the glistening silver candlesticks and then at the cups of clear yellow oil and cotton wicks. She takes a deep breath. Sparks fly into the air as she strikes a match. Her hand first reaches out to the candlestick on the right, as she lights her candles one by one. The room around her is tranquil and still, with her children standing behind her with big, glowing eyes. Even the baby knows not to utter a word.
May these be the candles of everlasting peace; may these be the candles of abundance; may these be the candles of rectified Light. Master of the Universe, may these be the candles that burn forever and ever. One, two, three times, she invites the Shabbat angels into her home for blessings of peace . . .
With this silent prayer meditation, she stretches her arms wide to hover some distance around the flames, and then draws them in to carry the light and warmth into the universe. One, two, three times, she invites the Shabbat angels into her home for blessings of peace. Then, she tilts her head downwards, lowers her eyelids, and buries her face inside her hands. A small, whispered muffle can be heard under her hands as she recites the blessing. With this, the moment transcends into an awesome divine space of higher consciousness. She is now face to face with her Creator. My heart is open, please hear my cries, wipe away my tears, restore my true faith in You.
[By T. Kramer]
May we truly merit to purify and elevate this lofty moment!
Shabbat Shalom!
