SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING  

   * First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the
candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times
to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then
cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:

         BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
          A-SHER KI-DE-SHO-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VE-TZI-VO-NU
               LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHA-BOS KO-DESH.

                           Translation:

       Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
         who has sanctified us with His commandments, and
      commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

   * Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights.

   * The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for
praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily
acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this
great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.

                             CAUTION:
    The candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS
   PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE
                     CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET.