My understanding is that we say the bracha over Shabbat candles after we light them, because once one says the blessing, in effect it becomes Shabbat and the 39 melachot are prohibited immediately (even though the sun has not quite set). But who does this apply to? Just the person who lights, or the household, or anyone who hears the blessing?
Specific examples- if I light candles somewhat early, and a friend arrives for dinner after candle lighting but before sundown, does it become Shabbat for them once they enter the house? What if they are present for the lighting, but then they leave and go back home? What if I open the windows and say the blessing very loudly- can I make it Shabbat for any passersby in the street who hear me?
(Thank you for entertaining these silly musings.)
submitted by /u/fell-like-rain
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Source: Reditt
