Question:
What should someone do if they forgot to light Shabbat Candles?
Answer:
Hello,
For that Shabbos, there isn't much that the person can do. However, there's an idea that women were chosen to perform this mitzva over her husband for two reasons. First, to atone for the sin of Chava, who gave Adam to eat from the tree of knowledge, which caused him to die. She therefore lights the candles (which represent a neshoma) every Friday night. Additionally, she was given this mitzva because she is primarily in charge of the home.
A woman who forgets to light her candles has to light an additional one from now on, a kind of reminder not to forget again.
Best wishes
Sources:
Rema O:CH 263-3
