Where is the lighting of Shabbat Candles in Torah?
It is a tradition learnt from Sarah, the wife of Avraham. It is said she was the first to light Shabbos candles, even though the Shabbos day had not yet been given to the Jewish people. There are a few reasons as to why the candles are light. 1) It is symbolic of the holy light from Gan Eden- thus lights lit with the intention of them bringing in the Holiness of shabbos day reflect this light which will only be revealed again in the time of Mashiach (in Midrash Rabbah On Bereishis it says the pure light form the first day of creation will be used by tzaddikim to study by in the times of mashiach.) 2) We are meant to rejoice in the day. But at night, in the dark, it is fustrating to have to do anything in the dark (ot to mention dangerous with the chance of tripping and bumbing into things). Thus we should always have light on the Shabbos night. 3) Two candles are lit- in rememerance of the two obligations of the Shabbos- Shamor v’Zachor (Guard and Rmember)- one candle for each obligati
