There are acts which we do totally for ourselves, and others which may be completely altruistic. Generating light, however, defies such limitations. I may light the candle for myself, but I cannot contain the light, because of necessity it illuminates the room for others. If I create light for the benefit of another, I too can see better. What better way to begin the Shabbat, the final step in creation of the universe and its ultimate goal, than by lighting the candles, which symbolically binds the inhabitants of the world together. None of us can be an island; what I do affects you, and what you do must have bearing upon me. If we could only realize this, we would well understand why the candle lighting is referred to by our sages as an essential for peace in the household. Dissension can occur only when individuals believe they are separate, distinct, each going their own particular way, untouched by one another. Non-verbal communications are frequently more impressive than verbal. The weekly message to a child, delivered at the initiation of Shabbat, that his or her being has brought additional brightness into the home can be a powerful ingredient in one’s personality development. Light Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sundown in your city. If a candle was not lit for you as a child, light one now. If you’ve been blessed with children, light an additional one for each child. The world is a brighter place because of YOUR existence.

Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski