Shabbat Times in Hong Kong

Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, begins at sunset on Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday. In Hong Kong, candle lighting is performed 18 minutes before sunset, following local communal custom. Havdalah, the ceremony that concludes Shabbat, is recited after nightfall (tzait haKochavim, when three medium-sized stars are visible). We display the 72-minute opinion by default; the 8.5° (GRA) opinion corresponds to approximately 36 minutes after sunset at equinox, and 16.1° (Rabbeinu Tam) to approximately 72 minutes.

The weekly Torah portion (Parashat HaShavua) this week is Noach, read in synagogues across Hong Kong on Shabbat morning.

The blessing recited when lighting Shabbat candles (Hadlakat Nerot) is one of the most cherished rituals welcoming the Sabbath. It is traditionally recited after lighting the candles, waving the hands over the flames in a welcoming gesture, and covering the eyes — so that the blessing precedes the act of enjoying the light.

In Hong Kong, candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset — at 17:40 this week. The minimum is one candle, though many families light two (representing “Shamor” and “Zachor”, the two words used in the Torah to command Shabbat observance), and some add a candle for each member of the household. Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 263.

Hong Kong has the oldest and most established Jewish community in the region, dating back to the 1840s. Its institutions span every stream: the historic Ohel Leah Synagogue (Orthodox, built 1901–1902), the United Jewish Congregation (Progressive), Shuva Israel (Sephardic), and several Chabad-Lubavitch centers covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.

The community is large by Asian standards — families who have lived in the city for generations alongside a constant rotation of business visitors — and offers a Jewish community center, kosher restaurants and shops, and full Shabbat programming every week.

• Ohel Leah Synagogue — Orthodox, a landmark since 1901–1902
• United Jewish Congregation (Progressive) and Shuva Israel (Sephardic)
• Multiple Chabad centers across the island and Kowloon
• Jewish community center, kosher dining, and full Shabbat services

Planning a Shabbat in Hong Kong? Check the full-year Shabbat schedule for Hong Kong and the daily Zmanim. Community details above reflect publicly listed centers and may change — contact the centers directly for current schedules and kosher arrangements.