CANDLE LIGHTING Lighting candles is a positive rabbinic commandment, symbolizing shalom bayit, domestic peace. By creating peace in the home, we are helping to make peace in the world. The ancient custom is for women to perform this commandment since they are the primary guardians of the home. Normally we make a blessing over a commandment before performing it. In this case, however, the blessing is made afterward, so that the lighting precedes mental acceptance of the day and its prohibitions. The blessing is made while covering one’s eyes, so that the blessing follows the act but precedes its benefit (Rema, Oḥ 263:10).