Lighting Candles on the 29th for the Welfare of Children

Lighting Beeswax Candles on the 29th—A Segula for the Welfare of Children

\r\nThe Mekubalim preserved and transmitted an interesting segula: lighting a beeswax candle on the eve of Rosh Chodesh (on the 29th of each month) for the welfare of one’s children.\r\n\r\nBackground\r\n\r\nThe grandfather of King Saul—Abiel son of Zeror: “There was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Bekorath, son of Aphiah—a mighty man of valor, a warrior.” (I Samuel 9:1)\r\n\r\nHis nickname was “Ner” (candle), because he was the first to introduce public lighting in the streets. He collected money from the community and installed lamps in dark places.\r\n\r\nThe tradition of lighting wax candles for the welfare of children originated with King Saul’s grandfather, Abiel son of Zeror. In the merit of his lighting candles on this day each month, his grandson was blessed with kingship.\r\n\r\nKing Saul’s father, Kish son of Abiel, sent his son to search for their lost donkeys, and in this way Saul reached the prophet Samuel, who anointed him king.\r\n\r\nMay the zechut of King Saul’s grandfather, Abiel son of Zeror, protect all the children of Am Yisrael!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n(Based on a lesson by Rav Alexander Tzvi Sypkov, drawing on the sefer “Imrei Pinchas,” Shaar Zayin)