Question:
A man who lights the Shabbos candles should first make the Bracha and then light. Should the man have the match lit while making the Bracha so there will be no interruption between the Bracha and the lighting? Or can he strick the match after the bracha is made before lighting because its all one act of lighting? Assuming no one gets burnt.
Answer:
When a man lights shabbos candles, he makes the bracha immediately before lighting the candles. It is preferable that he strike the match, so there will not be any interruption between the bracha and doing the mitzvah.
Sources:
Shmiras Shabbos Khilchoso 43-30.
