In many AshkenazicJew of Eastern European descent. The term also refers to the practices and customs associated with this community, often in contrast to Sephardic (Southern European) traditions. families, it is customary to add a candle to the ShabbatShabbat is the Sabbath day, the Day of Rest, and is observed from Friday night through Saturday night. Is set aside from the rest of the week both in honor of the fact that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. On Shabbat, many Jews observe prohibitions from various activities designated as work. Shabbat is traditionally observed with festive meals, wine, challah, prayers, the reading and studying of Torah, conjugal relations, family time, and time with friends. candelabrum when a baby is born. When you know you are pregnant or otherwise expecting a baby, add an unlit candle to your Shabbat candles. It stays there throughout the months of waiting, a symbol of expectation. In the happy event of the baby’s arrival, it joins its fellow candles and is lit every week with the others to welcome the Sabbath. (If the expectation of this new life is prematurely disappointed, the candle is burned down, like a mini-yahrzeit candle.)