Ushering in Shabbat by lighting candles is a ritual, many Jews world-wide, grew up with. The lit candles before sunset on Friday, are traditionally done by women. It is a ritual to welcome the Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual reflection. In addition to a rabbinic mitzvah or commandment, it symbolizes rest, tranquility, and joy. At AJP, it became a tradition to light the Candles when we meet in person as part of the annual gathering at the APA Convention. This August 8th, 2025 was no exception. In the Hotel Lobby (with permission), AJP members who registered to attend, gathered to welcome Shabbat. Abi Weissman, a Board member, recited the blessing. The traditional Hebrew version, of several is:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ
Transliteration: Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nehr shehl shah-baht koh-dehsh.
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.
AJP members who attended the ceremony were moved to be together at this reunion by choice. People who either knew one another as friends, colleagues, or those who met in Zoom Land events, were full of enthusiasm to socialize and share common experiences personally and professionally. Our shared historic tradition and a sense of belonging positively impacted trust and opened discussions that went into the night. It was an evening to remember and continue into future events.
The included picture is a testament that is worth at least a thousand AJP Shabbat words.
