Can you tell me whether - for safety reasons - it is permissible to extinguish the Shabat candles when retiring to bed. I do not like the idea of leaving candles lit while my family is sleeping. Thanks! ShabbatQueen

Answer:

This is quite a common concern from people who are new to observing this beautiful Mitzvah.

As it is prohibited to extinguish a fire on Shabbat, there are many practical safeguards which Jewish women have taken for generations to insure both safety, and the integrity of Shabbat.

First of all, the candle holders should be placed on a steady surface, i.e. no shaky tables or candlesticks. Additionally, a tray, usually decorative, is placed underneath as an added measure.

Bear in mind that before the discovery of electricity, candles were the common means of lighting a home - and there were always situations which would necessitate leaving a candle burning even after retiring to bed.

Another thing to remember is that riding in a car, a plane, or even crossing the street involves risk of being in an accident, Heaven forbid. Yet we do it just the same, as the benefits far outweigh the possibility of danger.

I would venture to say that statistically, a far greater percentage of people riding in cars or crossing the street, are involved in accidents, than those caused by unsupervised Shabbat candles.

You are obviously lighting candles to honor the Shabbat - the eternal benefit of not desecrating Shabbat by not extinguishing them, far outweigh any minimal risk.

Additionally, the very same G-d who gives us life, would not give us a Mitzvah which would endanger life.

Personally, my mother lit Shabbat candles, as does my wife (without extinguishing them on Shabbat), and in all my 46 years, nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Shabbat Shalom!