Candle lighting when traveling, in hotels and across time zones
Travel does not cancel Shabbat, but it changes the times. The basic rule is simple, and the details are worth explaining.
The rule: go by where you are
The candle lighting time is set by sunset in the place where you actually are, not the city you left. If you are in Los Angeles on Friday, you light by sunset in Los Angeles, even if you arrived this morning from New York.
So it is important to check the time in the new place. Our site can detect your location or let you choose a city, and show the exact time. If you changed time zones, make sure the clock on your phone is updated too.
Flights
A flight close to Shabbat requires planning. Someone who takes off before Shabbat and may land during it, and also someone who flies east on a Friday, must ask how to proceed, since the questions are complex: when does Shabbat begin for someone moving between time zones, and by which place? The authorities gave several answers, and most recommend avoiding a situation where Shabbat is desecrated in flight, so people plan flights that end before Shabbat.
If you land before Shabbat, you light in the place where you land by the local sunset. If you are on the road, ask a rabbi before the trip and not in the moment of need.
Hotels and guests
When staying at a hotel or with a family, the question arises: who lights and where? Generally:
- A married woman lights in the place where she sleeps, even as a guest, and usually her husband fulfills his obligation through that as well.
- A guest who eats at a host's home may join the host's lighting, but many also light for themselves, and it is wise to ask the hosts.
- Many hotels forbid open flames in rooms. In that case follow the hotel policy, and you can light in a permitted place such as a kosher dining room.
Electric candles: according to most authorities you do not fulfill the obligation of candle lighting with a blessing using them, but you turn on an electric light in the room in honor of Shabbat. Some authorities permit a blessing on electric light when there is no alternative, and this is disputed. Ask your rabbi.
Moving between time zones
When you move from east to west, sunset on the local clock is later, and the reverse. On a Friday of travel, always check the lighting time at your destination, and do not assume it is like home. Even within one time zone, the difference between its edges can be large, and the guide on lighting by location explains why.
The international date line
Someone who reaches the Far East, the Pacific islands or Australia on a trip that passes near the date line meets the question of which day is Shabbat. The authorities disagree about where the date line falls for the purposes of halacha, and there are several approaches. Anyone planning such a stay must consult a rabbi in advance. There is no ruling that can be given in general terms.
A checklist for the traveler
- Before the trip: ask whether there are special instructions for your destination.
- Check the candle lighting time in the new place on the site.
- Bring candles, matches and a tray, or find out ahead what is permitted at the hotel.
- Prepare wine or grape juice for Havdalah.
- Set a reminder, especially after a long day of travel.
A final reminder
The information here is general. The circumstances of every trip differ, so turn to a rabbi for guidance that fits your case. A main source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, chapter 263, and the Mishnah Berurah.
More guides
- Candle lighting times by location: why exact beats a city list
- How Shabbat candle lighting works: a complete guide
- When Shabbat ends: nightfall, 8.5 degrees and Rabbeinu Tam