Ever looked at the clock on a Friday night and wondered, “Wait… what time does Shabbat start again?” You’re definitely not alone. Shabbat has a beautifully simple rule—yet the actual start time changes every single week. So today, let’s break it down in a friendly, easy-to-understand way.
When Does Shabbat Start?
Shabbat begins at sundown every Friday, but the specific time depends on where you live and the season of the year. That’s why someone in New York, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem will all start Shabbat at different times—even on the same day.
People traditionally light Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset, marking the official start of this weekly day of rest and reflection.
Understanding the Timing of Shabbat
⏰ What Time Does Shabbat Start? (Main Keyword Included)
Shabbat’s start time is based on the local sunset, which shifts throughout the year. In summer, Shabbat starts later because the sun sets later. In winter, it starts much earlier—even as early as 4:15 PM in some northern cities.
Here’s the simple formula:
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Find Friday’s sunset time for your city.
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Subtract 18 minutes (traditional candle-lighting time).
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That’s the start of Shabbat.
Some communities wait until actual sunset, while others follow the earlier candle-lighting time. And at the end of Shabbat—on Saturday night—Jews wait until three stars are visible in the sky or follow published havdalah times.
Why It Works This Way
Shabbat comes from the opening chapters of Genesis, where God “rested on the seventh day.” Because Jewish days start at sunset—not midnight—Shabbat naturally begins when the sun goes down on Friday.
Interesting Facts About Shabbat Timing
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Sunset matters because Jewish law follows a lunar-solar rhythm, not the standard 24-hour calendar.
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Jewish communities publish weekly Shabbat schedule cards with exact times so no one has to do the math.
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In far-north locations like Alaska or Scandinavia, where the sun barely sets in summer, rabbis offer special timing rules.
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Candle lighting is traditionally done by women, but men or anyone in the household can perform the mitzvah if needed.
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Jerusalem has one of the earliest candle-lighting times—40 minutes before sunset—a local tradition that has become widespread.
✨ Did You Know?
In many Jewish neighborhoods, you’ll hear a loud siren or see flashing lights on Fridays. These aren’t emergencies—they’re community reminders that Shabbat is just minutes away.
Mini Q&A
Q: Do all Jews follow the same start time?
A: Not always. Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform communities often follow the same sunset-based principle, but their customs (like timing of candle lighting) can differ slightly.
Q: What if I forget to light candles before sunset?
A: Traditionally, you can’t light them after Shabbat begins, but you can welcome Shabbat in other ways such as singing or resting.
Q: Do digital calendars help?
A: Absolutely—many apps and websites provide location-specific Shabbat times to the minute.
I’ve always found it comforting how Shabbat arrives every week, right on schedule—even if the time shifts a little. There’s something grounding about watching the sun dip below the horizon and knowing an entire tradition has paused with you for a moment. Even if you’re not Jewish, the idea of a built-in weekly reset feels universal and really refreshing.
Shabbat starts at sundown on Friday, a moment that changes with the seasons but always invites peace, community, and reflection. If you’re marking the day or simply curious, it’s worth checking your city’s specific timing each week. What do you think about the rhythm of a weekly day of rest?