Yoma 33 Lighting Shabbos candles on the table where you eat

The Gemara states that the Menorah and the Shulchan in the Bais HaMikdash must see each other. The halacha is that the Shabbos candles should be lit where one eats the Shabbos meal. Perhaps the idea is that the Menorah symbolizes wisdom and spirituality, and the Shulchan symbolizes materialism. By placing the Menorah opposite the Shulchan, and by placing the Shabbos lights on the Shabbos table, we are demonstrating that even our physical pleasures are synthesized with our spiritual endeavors.

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