The Tear Behind the Flame: A Deeper Look at Shabbat Candles | 10@9 | 2026.04.24

About this episode

This episode explores the significance of lighting Shabbat candles and its deeper meanings in creating peace and intention in Jewish homes.

There are two purposes behind the beautiful, widespread practice of lighting Shabbat lights each Friday night: To create Shalom Bayit - a home filled with peace, warmth, and harmony - and to elevate the moment through blessing, intention, and heartfelt prayer. Rabbi Moshe Sherer, who devoted his life to serving the Jewish people, never forgot a moment from his childhood - when he quietly listened as his mother lit Shabbat candles, whispered her prayer, and shed a tear. These candles do not only light our homes - they illuminate our inner lives, our hopes, and our deepest relationships. This video explores the meaning behind a ritual so many of us know, and invites us to experience it with greater awareness, intention, and holiness. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online…

People in this episode

Host: Rabbi Michael Whitman

Topics covered

• Shabbat candles
• Jewish rituals
• spirituality
• home peace
• intention in prayer

Keywords

• Shabbat
• candles
• Jewish tradition
• spirituality
• Rabbi Moshe Sherer
• home
• prayer

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ADATH Congregation, McGill University Faculty of Law

Places: Hampstead, Quebec, Montreal

More episodes of Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

• The Moment Everything Fell Apart… And He Didn’t | 10@9 | 2026.04.29 · April 29, 2026 · 6 min
• Learning How to Live - From a Man Facing Death | 10@9 | 2026.04.28 · April 28, 2026 · 20 min
• The Word That Changes How We Teach Our Children | 10@9 | 2026.04.27 · April 27, 2026 · 19 min
• What "Love Your Neighbor" Looks Like in Israel Today | 10@9 | 2026.04.26 · April 26, 2026 · 16 min
• Acharei Mot-Kedoshim | 2026.04.23 · April 24, 2026 · 33 min
• Shame, Accountability, and Pride - Israel’s Real Story | 10@9 | 2026.04.23 · April 23, 2026 · 11 min