1335 —הדלקת נרות אחרי תחילת שבת ושלבים לתיקון

B"H, 8th of Tevet, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter from Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh Miketz, in which you write about the incident that occurred due to a mistake in the newspaper regarding the time for lighting candles. You should distribute $7.02 (seven dollars and two cents) to charity over the course of several weeks—and it is better to do this on Erev Shabbat before lighting candles. Also, study the laws of Shabbat in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch—as far as I know, there is a translation of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in English as well, so it will probably be easier for you to learn from the English translation. It would be very appropriate if you could gather some other women to study together with you. Additionally, you should put aside any further thoughts about this entire matter (mesiach daas), and once again check the mezuzot of your home.

Summary

If one mistakenly lights Shabbat candles after Shabbat has begun, one should give charity, study relevant halachot (preferably with others), set aside worry about the incident, and recheck mezuzot for proper observance.