18-11-2022 -
History
History of Shabbat Candles in Cappadocia
To bring in the Jewish Sabbath, Shabbat candlesare lit on Friday evening just before sunset. It is a rabbinically prescribed law to light candles on Shabbat. Candle lighting is customarily done by the head of the home, but when she is not there, a male performs the task. The lighter covers their eyes and offers a blessing after lighting the candles.
When it comes to ancient customs, Shabbat candles Cappadocia are somewhat of a classic of the region. The Torah prevents Jews from igniting a fire on Shabbat, thus burning candles on the night before Shabbat begins allows us to see through the darkness while we eat Shabbat meal, which was their original purpose. The history of the practice has grown increasingly obscure with the development of electricity, but there is beauty in the mystique. The act itself has significance.
Judaism in Cappadocia
It is frequently cited in the Talmud and the Midrash and was also known to the Jews in its Greek version. From the Taurus to the Euxine and from the Halys to the Euphrates, the Roman province of Cappadocia was located. When Ariarathes, king of Cappadocia, was asked by the Romans to preserve cordial ties with the Jews of Cappadocia in light of the contract between the Hasmoneans and Rome, the first Jewish colony there is thought to have been established in the second century B.C.E.
Later, Jews from Cappadocia lived in Jaffa, Sepphoris, and Jerusalem. The grave of a Cappadocian flax merchant is mentioned in an inscription on a gravestone discovered in Jaffa. There are two Cappadocian sages mentioned who lived in Erez Israel. The fact that the sages allowed the Cappadocian Jews to use naphtha for their Sabbath lamps because no other oil was accessible to them shows that they were familiar with the conditions of life for Jews in Cappadocia.
Shabbat Candle Meaning
Think of the three main characteristics of a flame. First, a flame emits light so that we can dispel the shadows. Second, a flame can keep us warm if we stick close to it. Third, a fire's power never diminishes; it can readily move to another wick without endangering its own. The Shabbat candles are unquestionably a way to provide Shabbat supper with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Shabbat candles are also a representation of our capacity to share our inner spark with a table guest who may be experiencing stress similar to that which sometimes consumes us during the week.
History of Shabbat Candles
The second chapter of Mishna Shabbat is where the custom of lighting an oil lamp before Shabbat is first mentioned. Shabbat candles are lit to honor the Sabbath; before to the invention of electricity, when eating in the dark was the only option, it was important to light lights to set the mood. The blessing is originally recorded in a fragment from the second century CE that is housed in the National Library of St. Petersburg. It also appears in a wide variety of Gaonic writings, such as the Seder of an Amram Gaon, and other places. With its natural beauty and rich history, Cappadocia remains one of Turkey's most visited regions despite all of this. Both historical and natural beauty can be found in Cappadocia.
Thousands of tourists travel to Turkey each year to enjoy its beauty. Everyone should include Cappadocia on their bucket list since they will have an incredible time there with their loved ones.
If you are planning to visit Cappadocia, check out the Cappadocia Travel Pass® with 25+ FREE attractions including a hot air balloon ride and many more. With 25+ years of experience in tourism, we handpicked these attractions for you to save money and time, and to fall in love with Cappadocia as we do.
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