It is customary to light Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sundown.

This buffer ensures we don't accidentally desecrate the Sabbath by lighting after it officially begins.

Additionally, the number 18 corresponds to the Hebrew word Chai (חי), meaning Life.

The letters Chet (ח) and Yud (י) have numerical values of 8 and 10, respectively.

Lecha Dodi ("Come, my Beloved") is a mystical song sung to welcome the Shabbat.

It likens Shabbat to a Bride and Queen, emphasizing the intimate and regal nature of the day.

Composed by the Kabbalists of Safed in the 16th century, it invites us to greet the Shabbat presence with joy and love.

Maariv is the evening prayer service, recited after nightfall.

It includes the Shema ("Hear O Israel") and the Amidah (Silent Standing Prayer).

Jacob is traditionally credited with instituting the evening prayer, symbolizing faith in the midst of darkness.

Netilat Yadayim is the ritual washing of hands before eating bread.

We pour water over each hand (customarily 3 times) to spiritually cleanse ourselves.

The blessing is:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדָיִם.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu al netilat yadayim.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.