In Jewish tradition, on Sabbath, the eldest woman of the house recites a blessing over the candles no later than eighteen minutes before sundown: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. After lighting each candle, the woman moves her hands in a circular motion three times as if bringing the warmth of the flame closer in and then recites a blessing: Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to be a light to the nations, and who gave us Jesus our Messiah, the
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