The Torah reading this Shabbat is the second Parasha in the Book of Deuteronomy, Parashat Va’etchanan.

In the Parasha we have a repeat of the Ten Commandments. Although the Ten Commandments are the same here as in the Book of Exodus, there are some variations in their wording.

One of the differences is in the commandment of observing Shabbat. In the Book of Exodus, the Torah says, “Remember the Shabbat to keep it holy.” Here the Torah states “Guard the Shabbat to keep it holy.”

Our sages say that when G-d said the Ten Commandments He said the two expressions of “Remember” and “Guard” in one word. The Jewish people at Mount Sinai heard both expressions together. But when the Ten Commandments were recorded in the Torah they were written separately.

Q. What is the reason for the two expressions “Remember” the day of Shabbat and “Guard” the day of Shabbat”?

A. There are many mitzvot pertaining to Shabbat. Some are mitzvot which require action; such as reciting the Kiddush over wine; then there are mitzvot which require us to refrain from actions, like refraining from work on Shabbat. The mitzvot which require action are represented by the word “Remember” (Zachor). The mitzvot which tells us to refrain on Shabbat from doing work, are represented by “Guard” the Shabbat (Shamor).

Q. What is the purpose of the Shabbat candles?

A. The sages instituted to usher in the Shabbat with light, for light brings peace into the home.

To illustrate the importance of the Shabbat candles we can see from the following law. If one can afford to buy only one candle and it’s Shabbat Chanukah, does he light it for Shabbat or for Chanukah? The law says that it should be for Shabbat, because the Shabbat candles bring peace to the home and that is most important!

The story is told of a husband and wife who always quarreled when it came to lighting the Shabbat candles. He wanted her to use olive oil, like his mother did, and she wanted to use candles, which is what her mother used. They finally came to Rabbi Chaim of Tzanz for his decision. The rabbi told them, “Our sages instituted the lighting of the Shabbat candles in order to bring peace into the Jewish home, so how can you be fighting over the Shabbat candles?” He then turned to the husband and said, “Our sages gave the mitzvah of lighting the Shabbat candles to the women and it is her choice to use whatever lights she wants.”

Q. How many candles should one light in honor of Shabbat?

A. There are various customs. Some light two candles to represent the two expressions of Zachor and Shamor which were used in connection with Shabbat. Others light one candle for each member of the household. Girls who light Shabbat candles before marriage, which is a beautiful custom, kindle one light.