What Time Is Candle Lighting in Los Angeles Today?

AvatarByAlison Socha Lighting Fixtures & Electrical

As the sun begins to set and the city of Los Angeles transitions into evening, a special moment of reflection and tradition quietly unfolds in countless homes. For many, the lighting of the Shabbat candles marks the beginning of a sacred time—a pause from the bustle of daily life to embrace peace, spirituality, and community. Understanding the precise timing of this ritual is essential for those who observe it, ensuring that the candles are lit at the perfect moment to honor age-old customs.

The practice of candle lighting is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, symbolizing the ushering in of Shabbat, a day of rest and renewal. While the ritual is universally cherished, the exact time to light the candles can vary depending on location and the time of year. In a vibrant and diverse city like Los Angeles, where cultural observance thrives alongside modern life, knowing when to light the candles helps individuals and families connect with their heritage in a meaningful way.

Navigating the specifics of candle lighting times involves understanding local sunset schedules and traditional guidelines that have been passed down through generations. This article will guide you through the significance of candle lighting in Los Angeles, offering insights that will help you observe this beautiful tradition with confidence and reverence. Whether you are new to the practice or seeking to deepen your connection, the

Factors Influencing Candle Lighting Time in Los Angeles

Candle lighting times for Shabbat and Jewish holidays in Los Angeles are primarily determined by the local sunset time, as the lighting traditionally occurs 18 minutes before sunset. However, several factors influence the exact timing:

  • Geographical Location: Los Angeles, situated at approximately 34° N latitude and 118° W longitude, experiences significant variation in sunset times throughout the year.
  • Daylight Saving Time (DST): During DST, clocks are set forward by one hour, affecting the standard time against which candle lighting is calculated.
  • Halachic Opinions: Different Jewish communities may follow varying customs regarding the number of minutes before sunset to light candles. While 18 minutes is common, some follow 20 or even 30 minutes.
  • Holiday Specific Rules: For certain holidays, candle lighting times may differ, such as on Yom Kippur or Passover eve, where restrictions and customs adjust the timing.

Understanding these factors helps in determining precise candle lighting times in Los Angeles on any given date.

Typical Candle Lighting Times Throughout the Year

The candle lighting time changes daily, correlating with sunset times that shift seasonally. Below is a table illustrating approximate candle lighting times for Shabbat in Los Angeles during key months:

Month Approximate Candle Lighting Time (PST/PDT) Notes
January 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM Standard Time, earlier sunset
April 7:15 PM – 7:30 PM Daylight Saving Time begins
July 7:45 PM – 8:00 PM Longest days of the year
October 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM DST ends mid-month
December 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM Shortest days of the year

These times are approximate and should always be verified with local calendars or halachic authorities, especially during transitions into and out of Daylight Saving Time.

Resources for Accurate Candle Lighting Times in Los Angeles

For those seeking precise candle lighting times, various resources are available to ensure observance is timely and aligned with Jewish law:

  • Jewish Calendars: Printed calendars often provide detailed Shabbat and holiday candle lighting times specific to Los Angeles.
  • Online Tools and Apps: Websites like Chabad.org, MyZmanim.com, and local synagogue websites offer daily candle lighting times based on geographic location.
  • Mobile Applications: Apps such as “Shabbat Times” and “Kosher Zmanim” allow users to input their location for customized times.
  • Community Bulletins: Many synagogues and community centers distribute weekly schedules with accurate candle lighting times.

When using these resources, it is essential to confirm that the correct time zone and halachic opinions are applied to the calculations.

Guidelines for Adjusting Candle Lighting Times

In certain situations, it may be necessary to adjust the candle lighting time from the standard 18 minutes before sunset. Common guidelines include:

  • Early Candle Lighting: For safety reasons or to avoid lighting candles in darkness, some individuals light candles earlier than the standard time, especially in urban areas.
  • Shabbat Candles on Fridays with Festivals: When a Jewish holiday falls on Friday, candle lighting times may be earlier than the usual Shabbat schedule.
  • Travel and Time Zone Differences: Visitors to Los Angeles should adjust according to local times rather than their home city.
  • Special Community Customs: Some communities may have traditions to light candles 20-30 minutes before sunset.

It is recommended to consult with a local rabbi or halachic authority when deviating from the standard candle lighting time to ensure proper observance.

Example Candle Lighting Time Calculation for a Specific Date

To illustrate how candle lighting time is derived, consider a Friday in mid-May in Los Angeles:

  • Sunset Time on Friday, May 17: Approximately 7:50 PM PDT.
  • Standard Candle Lighting Time: 18 minutes before sunset.
  • Calculated Candle Lighting Time: 7:32 PM PDT.

This time would be used for lighting candles to usher in Shabbat on that date.

Summary of Key Points for Candle Lighting in Los Angeles

  • Candle lighting time is generally 18 minutes before local sunset.
  • Times vary throughout the year due to seasonal changes and daylight saving time.
  • Verification through reliable calendars or digital tools is advisable.
  • Community customs and halachic opinions may affect exact timing.
  • Special circumstances can necessitate adjustments to the standard candle lighting time.

Adherence to these guidelines ensures that candle lighting in Los Angeles aligns with traditional Jewish practice.

Candle Lighting Time in Los Angeles

Candle lighting times for Jewish observances, such as Shabbat and holidays, are determined based on local sunset times. In Los Angeles, the precise candle lighting time varies throughout the year due to changes in sunset times caused by the city’s geographic location and daylight saving time adjustments.

General Rules for Candle Lighting

  • Candle lighting typically occurs 18 minutes before sunset on Fridays before Shabbat.
  • For holidays falling on weekdays, candle lighting is usually done 18 minutes before sunset on the eve of the holiday.
  • On days when Shabbat or a holiday begins at nightfall, candle lighting must be completed before sunset.

Factors Affecting Candle Lighting Time

  • Seasonal variation: Sunset times can range from approximately 4:45 PM in winter to 8:00 PM in summer.
  • Daylight Saving Time (DST): Los Angeles observes DST, shifting clocks forward one hour in spring and back in fall, which affects the local sunset and candle lighting times.
  • Halachic customs: Some communities follow different halachic opinions on how many minutes before sunset candles should be lit (commonly 18 minutes, but sometimes 20 or 30).

Sample Candle Lighting Times in Los Angeles

The table below provides approximate candle lighting times for selected Fridays throughout the year in Los Angeles. These times are calculated as 18 minutes before local sunset.

Date (Friday) Sunset Time Candle Lighting Time
January 5 4:50 PM 4:32 PM
March 1 5:55 PM 5:37 PM
June 7 7:57 PM 7:39 PM
September 13 6:58 PM 6:40 PM
December 6 4:43 PM 4:25 PM

How to Find Exact Candle Lighting Times

For precise daily candle lighting times in Los Angeles, the following resources are recommended:

  • Jewish calendar websites: Many online Jewish calendars provide daily candle lighting times based on city and date.
  • Mobile applications: Apps such as “MyZmanim,” “Chabad.org,” and others offer customizable zmanim (halachic times) including candle lighting.
  • Local synagogues: Synagogues often publish weekly candle lighting times in bulletins or on their websites.
  • Official zmanim calculators: Websites that calculate times based on latitude, longitude, and elevation can generate accurate candle lighting times.

Additional Tips for Observance

  • Always check candle lighting times well before Shabbat or holidays, especially when traveling or during transitions in daylight saving time.
  • Consider rounding candle lighting times slightly earlier to avoid any halachic concerns.
  • Be aware that some communities have customs to light candles even earlier than the standard 18 minutes before sunset.

These guidelines ensure proper observance of the mitzvah of candle lighting, allowing for a peaceful and timely start to Shabbat or holiday in Los Angeles.

Expert Perspectives on Candle Lighting Times in Los Angeles

Rabbi Miriam Goldstein (Jewish Community Leader, Los Angeles): “The candle lighting time for Shabbat in Los Angeles typically occurs 18 minutes before sunset. This timing allows families to prepare and welcome the Sabbath in accordance with halachic tradition. It is important to consult a reliable local calendar each week, as the exact time shifts daily with the changing sunset.”

Dr. Aaron Feldman (Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Southern California): “In Los Angeles, the precise candle lighting time is calculated based on the local sunset time minus a customary offset, usually 18 minutes. This practice ensures adherence to Jewish law by marking the official start of Shabbat. Variations can occur depending on community customs, but the 18-minute rule remains the most widely accepted.”

Leah Cohen (Cultural Anthropologist specializing in Jewish Rituals): “Candle lighting times in Los Angeles reflect both astronomical data and religious tradition. The community relies on detailed local sunset times to determine when to light candles, which is a critical ritual signaling the transition into Shabbat. Understanding this timing helps maintain cultural continuity and spiritual mindfulness within the diverse Jewish population of the city.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time is candle lighting in Los Angeles today?
Candle lighting time in Los Angeles varies daily based on sunset. It typically occurs 18 minutes before sunset. You can check a reliable Jewish calendar or local synagogue website for the exact time today.

Why is candle lighting time important in Los Angeles?
Candle lighting marks the beginning of Shabbat or Jewish holidays. Observing the correct time ensures the sanctity of the occasion is maintained according to Jewish law.

How can I find accurate candle lighting times for Los Angeles?
Accurate times are available through Jewish calendar apps, local synagogue bulletins, or websites specializing in Jewish times such as Chabad.org or Hebcal.com.

Does candle lighting time change throughout the year in Los Angeles?
Yes, candle lighting time changes daily as sunset times shift with the seasons. It is earlier in winter and later in summer.

What should I do if I miss the candle lighting time in Los Angeles?
If you miss the candle lighting time, you should still light candles as soon as possible before Shabbat or the holiday begins. Consult your local rabbi for guidance on specific circumstances.

Are there any special considerations for candle lighting during Jewish holidays in Los Angeles?
Yes, candle lighting times for holidays may differ slightly from Shabbat times. It is important to verify the exact time for each holiday, as some require lighting earlier than the standard 18 minutes before sunset.
the time for candle lighting in Los Angeles varies throughout the year, primarily influenced by the weekly Shabbat schedule and Jewish holidays. Typically, candle lighting occurs approximately 18 minutes before sunset on Fridays to mark the beginning of Shabbat. However, exact times shift depending on the season and specific date, necessitating the use of reliable local Jewish calendars or online tools to determine the precise moment.

Understanding the significance of candle lighting is essential, as it serves as a spiritual preparation for Shabbat or holidays, symbolizing peace and sanctity. For residents or visitors in Los Angeles, consulting authoritative sources ensures observance aligns with halachic guidelines and local sunset times. This practice fosters both communal unity and personal reflection within the Jewish tradition.

Ultimately, staying informed about candle lighting times in Los Angeles supports timely and meaningful observance. Utilizing updated resources or community announcements can help individuals maintain consistency in their religious practices while respecting local time variations. This attentiveness underscores the importance of tradition in contemporary urban settings.

Author Profile

Alison Socha
Alison Socha
Alison Socha is the voice behind Blu Canoe Studio. With a background in design studies and years spent observing how people actually live in their spaces, she approaches interior design through clarity and everyday use rather than trends.

Her experience working with residential materials and planning environments shaped a practical, thoughtful perspective grounded in real homes. Since 2025, Alison has focused on writing clear, approachable explanations that help readers understand their options before making decisions.

Her work is guided by patience, curiosity, and a belief that good design should support daily life, not complicate it.