Question:
Dear Rabbi,
I think I noticed over an event this past week we lit the sabbath candles over an hour early and resumed our maariv prayers. From which time is it permitted to light candles before sundown?
Thanks
Answer:
Hello,
can are allowed to light candles from what is called "plag hamincha", which is 1 1/4 "daylight hours" before sundown. Daylight hours are calculated by taking the number of minutes from sunrise to sundown and deviding it into 12. (Which means that during the summer each hour is longer and, in the winter, they are smaller). You can also get this information on line or in many Jewish calendars.
