Daf Yomi - Beitzah 16 - Neshamah Yeseira and a Candle

From Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Mikeitz-Chanukah 5765. For more inspirational thoughts on Shabbos and other topics, please visit www.torahthoughts.com

In the Shabbos Zemiros of מה ידידות, we recite the words להדליק נר בברכה, to kindle the flame with blessing. Why do we honor the Shabbos with lighting candles? The Tolaas Yaakov writes that on Shabbos a Jew is endowed with a נשמה יתירה, an extra soul. It is said: נר ה' נשמת אדם, a man's soul is the lamp of Hashem. The Ben Ish Chai writes that the candle expresses the virtue of the Holy Shabbos. One can light many torches from the flame of a single candle, and the candle’s light will not be diminished in any form. Similarly, Shabbos influences and illuminates the whole week, yet Shabbos does not lose any if its goodness and bright illumination.