Shabbat
Shabbat candles.  It is a Jewish law that no one may light a fire after Shabbat starts.  Because of this, someone in every home lights candles just before Shabbat.  The woman of the house  usually lights the candles, but not always.  The candles should last until the people in the house finish dinner.  By lighting candles when Shabbat begins, Jews make certain they will have lights in the home when they celebrate.  This adds to the joy of the celebration.  Having candles on Shabbat is a very old Jewish custom.