When does Shabbat start and end?

Shabbat begins at candle lighting time, which is 18 minutes before sunset on Friday. It ends at Havdalah on Saturday night when 3 stars (Tzait Hakochavim) are visible, typically 42-50 minutes after sunset depending on location and custom.

What is the Havdalah ceremony?

Havdalah (separation) is the ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat. It uses a braided candle, wine or grape juice, and fragrant spices. Blessings are recited over each, separating the holy Shabbat from the ordinary weekday.

Why are Shabbat candles lit 18 minutes before sunset?

Candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset to ensure there is no accidental desecration of Shabbat by lighting fire after it begins. The number 18 also equals the Hebrew word Chai (life). Some communities use 20 or more minutes.

What are the Shabbat times in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem uses a 40-minute buffer before sunset for candle lighting. In summer months this can mean candle lighting as early as 6:30-7:00pm, while in winter it may be as early as 3:45pm. Use the tool above to find exact weekly times.

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Shabbat Times

Accurate candle lighting and Havdalah times for any city worldwide. Enter a city or use GPS.

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🕯️ Shabbat Times

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🕍 About Shabbat Times

Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) is observed every week from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall — a sacred time of rest, prayer, and family.

🕯️ Candle Lighting Times

Shabbat candles are traditionally lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening, though some communities use 20 or 40 minutes (Jerusalem custom). Lighting candles inaugurates the holy day. At least two candles are lit — symbolizing the dual commandment to "remember" and "observe" the Sabbath.

✨ Havdalah — End of Shabbat

Shabbat concludes with Havdalah ("separation") when 3 stars become visible on Saturday night — typically 42–50 minutes after sunset depending on location. The ceremony uses a braided candle, wine, and fragrant spices (besamim). The blessings separate the holy Shabbat from the ordinary week.

📖 Parashat Hashavua

Each Shabbat, a specific Torah portion (Parasha) is read in synagogue. The entire Torah is divided into 54 weekly portions — completing and restarting the cycle each Simchat Torah. Many Jews study the weekly portion throughout the week in preparation for Shabbat morning services.

🌍 Shabbat Around the World

Because Shabbat times depend on the local sunset, they vary dramatically by location and season. In northern cities like Helsinki or Anchorage, summer Shabbats can start very late. In Jerusalem, candles are lit 40 minutes before sunset by custom. This tool supports any city worldwide via Hebcal.