One should use candles that will burn long enough to last through the meal.

Lighting the candles for Shabbos is so important that if one has limited funds, the purchase of at least one candle takes precedence over the purchase of wine for kiddush and other Shabbos foods. The only food which does not take precedence over is the Hamotzi for the Shabbos meals.

If one forgot until after sunset to light the candles, it is permitted to ask a non-Jew during "bein hashemoshos" to light one candle. after the candle is lit she should spread her hands opposite the candle (so as not to have any benefit from the candle) and say the brocho "al hadlokas haneir."

One may not eat or drink after the lighting of the candles.
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