The candles rest unlit on the Shabbos table
Wax not yet melting, flame not yet glowing
The box of matches sits untouched
The dining room table is set, ready for the festive meal
Chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in the oven
An array of sweets, taunting me on the back counter
Match strikes, flame ignites the candles
That first heavenly bite of challah
We drink from our special glasses
Unplugged from the world, connected to each other
7d ago
May 28, 2026 at 8:36 PM UTC
The candles rest unlit on the Shabbos table
Wax not yet melting, flame not yet glowing
The box of matches sits untouched
The dining room table is set, ready for the festive meal
Chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in the oven
An array of sweets, taunting me on the back counter
Match strikes, flame ignites the candles
That first heavenly bite of challah
We drink from our special glasses
Unplugged from the world, connected to each other
Every Friday afternoon, many Jewish families slow down, finish their preparations, and welcome Shabbat after a long week. I wrote this poem about that transition from the chaos of everyday life to the quiet connection around the Shabbos table.
This is “Candles Flicker.”