Shabbat Candles Questions

Hello, 1. Where should one light נרות שבת when eating out but sleeping at home - where one eats or at home? 2. a)I will be away in the USA . Do I need to light נרות שבת when I am in the USA if my family will be lighting in my home in Ertetz Yisroel? ( I dont think it makes a difference but I will mention that the mother of the home passed away and a daughter will be lighting) b) and what about the above scenerio regarding a daughter studying in the USA 3. Assuming that regarding question 2 one would rely on the lighting done at home; would that be true even if the family is away and not lighting at home that Shabbos?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

Here are the answers:

1.   It is better to light in the place where one will be eating. According to the Sephardic custom, if one already lit at the hosts’ place, then one should light without a bracha. According to the Ashkenazic custom, however, one may recite a bracha even if one already lit there. (and in that case, one would be exempt from lighting at home).  However, if it is difficult to arrive at the hosts house before candle lighting, one should light at home.  First, darken the room—closing the blinds as well—then turn on the lights and light the candles, so that the bracha applies to both the electric lights and the candles. The candles should be long enough so that when one returns home, one should also eat a kezayit of mezonot near them. 

2.        A) with regard to being in the USA and the family in Erets Yirael, each one should light where they are 

3.        See #2

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)