Question:
When is the best time to daven mincha after candle lighting on Erev Shabbos? Five minutes after? Ten minutes after?
Answer:
It is best to daven mincha as early after candle lighting as possible, because then you can be mekabel Shabbos a little longer before shkiya (sunset). There are opinions that one should try to be mekabel Shabbos 20-30 minutes before shkiya, and the Mishna Berura (261-23) says that one who does so is fortunate, because he fulfilled the mitzva d’orayso of Tosefes Shabbos according to all opinions. The minhag in Yerushalayim is to light candles 40 minutes before shkiya, and one of the reasons for the minhag is in order to be able to daven mincha a little earlier.
Best wishes
Sources:
Comment of R’ S. Z. Auerbach zt”l to sefer Pnei Shabbos siman 16, Piskei Teshuvos 261 ftnt. 75.
