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Why do women light Shabbos (שבת) candles, and what does it have to do with the Mishkan? The Baal HaTurim's gematria hints that lighting candles transforms our homes into miniature sanctuaries where God's presence dwells through shalom bayis. The shiur shows how this theme connects Shabbos, Purim (פורים), and Shavuos—the three holidays where enjoying meals together creates the deepest sense of communal togetherness.
Rabbi Zweig explores the mitzvah (מצוה) of lighting Shabbos (שבת) candles through the Baal HaTurim's commentary on Parshas Tetzaveh, which discusses lighting the menorah in the Mishkan. The Baal HaTurim notes that the word "Tetzaveh" (you shall command) has the same gematria as "nashim" (women), and "ner tamid" (constant light) equals "Shabbos," hinting at the obligation for women to light Shabbos candles. The fundamental question is: why does the Torah (תורה) hint at a mitzvah performed in Jewish homes within verses discussing the Temple service? The answer lies in understanding what Shabbos candles accomplish. The Gemara (גמרא) states that we light candles for shalom bayis—peace in the home. Light prevents people from tripping and creating friction. More profoundly, the Talmud (תלמוד) in Sotah teaches that when there is shalom bayis between husband and wife, the Shechina (Divine Presence) dwells between them. The word "ish" (man) contains the letters aleph-shin (esh/fire) plus yud, while "isha" (woman) contains aleph-shin plus hei. Together, the yud and hei form God's name. Without shalom, two opposing fires try to consume each other; with shalom, God's presence fills the home.
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Parshas Tetzaveh (lighting the menorah in the Mishkan)
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